Charles Clayton Caudill

Charles Clayton Caudill

Charles Clayton Caudill, 93, of Lexington, Va., died Wednesday, October 22, 2025. He was a son of the late Russell Horton Caudill and Estelle Rose Caudill.

He was the son of Russell Horton Caudill and Estelle Rose Caudill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved first wife Shirley W. Caudill; sister Venita Caudill Peterson; and brother James Russell Caudill.

Charles graduated in 1953 from High Point College and in1956 from Duke University Theological Seminary.

He had an exemplary career in the USAF from 1956 till 1979. His decorations and awards include The Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with one Service Star, and Vietnam Service Medal with one Battle Star.

Chaplain Caudill served as Virginia Military Institute Chaplain and Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets from 1979 until 1994.

He was well known for his compassionate spirit, empathetic approach, inspiring sermons, wise counsel, and his famous hugs. His ability to break down barriers and connect with cadets was unparalleled, and he was seen as a father figure by many. Chaplain Caudill also brought new life into the weekly chapel services, increased chaplain-initiated events, and reintroduced the practice of handing out personally signed holy books at graduation. His legacy with the Corps of Cadets, the Chaplain's Office, and alumni cannot be overstated, enduring decades beyond his tenure.

Chaplain Caudill will be remembered for his kindheartedness and genuine spirit. As a sixth-generation minister, self-sacrificial love for others was his life's work and purpose. When asked by the Roanoke Times just before his retirement from VMI, how he wanted to be remembered, he hoped the cadets would say, "His hugs were real. He blessed me."

He was a loving and devoted father and husband who loved God, family and country unconditionally.

Surviving are his wife, Janice M. Caudill; sons, Michael, Marcus, and Christopher; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Class of 1983 Chaplain Charles C. Caudill Chaplain's Discretionary Fund or VMI Chaplains Discretionary Fund (The VMI Foundation, P. O. Box 932, Lexington, Va. 24450).

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 15th, at Memorial Hall at VMI. Burial is private.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory, Lexington, Va.