Dr. Charles Merriwether "Chuck" Zacharias Jr. M.D.

ZACHARIAS, JR., M.D., Dr. Charles "Chuck" Merriwether, age 76, passed on June 5, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles Merriwether Zacharias, Sr., and Ann Elizabeth Robins.

He is survived by his wife, Debra O. Zacharias; his daughters, Dr. Kelley Zacharias Allison (Tim) and Dr. Jennifer Zacharias Lecrone (Chris); his sons, Brian Charles Zacharias and Andrew Shepherd Zacharias (Whittney); his stepsons, Marvin S. Frame (Angie) and Dr. William H. Frame (Kathleen); and his grandchildren, Mathew Z. Allison, Julia Z. Allison, Caden Z. Allison, Ethan Z. Lecrone, Owen Z. Lecrone, Claire Z Lecrone, Ramona O. Zacharias, Paloma O. Zacharias, Sophie M. Zacharias, Percy T. Zacharias, Tristan I. Frame, Lilian C. Frame, Leah G. Frame, and Wyatt C. Frame.

He is also survived by his brother, Stephen R. Zacharias; and his sisters, Kathryn Z. Allen (Earl), Mary Jane Z. Ganey, Madge E. Zacharias, Laurie Z. Harrison, and Carolyn Z. Brownlow (Steve), along with many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Zacharias was a graduate of Benedictine High School (1965), the University of Virginia (1969), and the Medical College of Virginia (1973).

Dr. Zacharias struck a beautifully unique balance of relentlessly pursuing advancements in medicine while also treating people-patients and peers, friends and family-with kindness and gentleness. He conducted himself in a way that earned him the respect of his colleagues and the love of his patients. As he learned and grew, he shared his knowledge, graciously teaching and training others even as he remained at the top of his field. He was a pioneer of cardiology in Richmond, among the first to bring angioplasty, TAVR, and carotid stents to patients in central Virginia.

He is remembered for his philanthropic work expanding medical care in the Solomon Islands. He enjoyed playing golf at Willow Oaks Country Club, spending time with family on the Piankatank, sailing the Chesapeake Bay, his annual trip to Abaco in the Bahamas, taking in football games at UVA, and traveling throughout the world, especially to wine regions. Later in life, he and Debbie built a thriving vineyard and winery, Skippers Creek, in Powhatan, Virginia.

A Celebration of Chuck's Life will be held on Wednesday, July 10th from 2 to 4 p.m. at Willow Oaks Country Club (6228 Forest Hill Ave. Richmond, VA 23225). In lieu of flowers, you can make a contribution to the work of Jeff and Suzie Allen (worker code 3160) in the Solomon Islands at TMS Global.