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Charles Waller Obituary
Of Gordonsville, VA died Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at his residence. Born January 19, 1935 in Joinerville, TX, he was the son of the late Charlie D. Waller and Bessie Mae Barret. Charlie was the lead singr and guitarist for the legendary Country Gentelman blue grass band for 48 years. The Country Gentlemen achieved fame all across the United States and were recognized internationally as well. Charlie was an original member of the group and has many famous songs to his credit.
He is survived by his wife, Sachiko Waller of Gordonsville, two daughters, Dorrie Lane and her husband, Bob of Cape Coral, FL and Mina Waller of Gallatin, TN; two sons, Randy Waller and his fiance, Rebecca of Falls Church, VA and Danny Graves of Avon, CO; two sisters, Joy Chasteen of Greenville, SC, Donnie Rae Peloquin of Elpaso, TX; one brother, Rickie Waller of Dodson, LA, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of friends. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Margie Waller and Jackie Shelton.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2004 at PREDDY FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL in Gordonville, VA with interment to follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville, VA. Rev. Kenny Wurzburger will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, evening at the funeral home and ask that memorial contributions be made to the Charlie Waller Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 581, Gordonsville, VA 22942. PREDDY FUNERAL HOME, Gordonsville is in charge of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Waller
barbara thurston
September 20, 2004
charlie was the bested of anyone i ever heard sing! my sis an i will sure'ly miss him.
love you always charlie, your fans
barbara thurston & brenda stuart !
Lynda Brehmer
September 19, 2004
I remember several years ago seeing the Country Gentlemen and I just loved to see them in person. They put on one of the best shows that I have ever seen, Charlie will be missed very much. My sympathy to his family.
Glenn Samples
September 19, 2004
Charlie, you are a true legend. Your music will always remain with us.
David Hobbs
September 19, 2004
Our sympathy goes out to Charlie's loved ones and friends. I called Charlie on the phone a few weeks ago, it must have only been a day or two before his passing. We talked about some of the guitars he had owned over the years, and about the keys that some songs are sung in. I am glad I got to talk to him and deeply regret that it was the only conversation we ever had. God Bless You All, Davey Hobbs
Susan Adkins
September 18, 2004
To the Waller Family, The Country Gentlemen and the Bluegrass Community we send our deepest and heartfelt sympathy. We have been attending the Bluegrass Festival at Graves' Mountain since it began in 1993. It won't be the same without Mr. Waller there. This year at the Festival he kept saying, "Keep an eye out for that Federal Express truck. It will be here soon bringing copies of our new CD". Everytime I see a FedEx truck now I smile and think of him. I remember in the 80's when they were still having the festivals in VA Beach and the band sang Happy Birthday to my Dad. He was quite shocked and very happy because they are his all time favorite group. Thank you for the many years of beautiful music. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now and in the days to come.
Sincerely,
The Adkins Family
Susan, Dwayne, Shelby and Sydney
Jake Rumph
September 17, 2004
As a small child, one of the very first concerts I can remember featured Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen. His singing and playing made a deep and lasting impression.
Almost 15 years later I took up guitar. My friends played rock music, but I couldn't get the hang of it. Then I started trying to learn some songs I remembered hearing Charlie perform. With his melodic vocals and incredible rhythm playing etched in my mind, I finally found my way and realized the gift of music.
There's no doubt that Charlie's music had a profound impact on many. In music and in life there are few greater achievements.
I was so lucky to have seen him so many times over the years and so many times in this past year, including here in Orange this summer.
God bless.
David M. Silvernail
September 17, 2004
Earth's loss is Heaven's gain. I'm sure the angels are singing bluegrass tonight.
You'll always live in our hearts and found memories.
Thanks for sharing your talents with us while you were here.
James White
September 17, 2004
Charlie,
You have always been an important memory in my life. There was a time when I was just a troubled kid from a broken marriage, but you treated me like the father that I never had. I have NEVER forgotten your sincerity, your wisdom and your love. My mother went to meet her maker just a couple of years before you, and during her last few days on earth, she reminisced about you and the fine, respectable man that you were while on this earth. I too have never forgotten the kondness that you showed me, way back when times were much simpler.
May God Bless you Charlie... I just hope to see you again in the next lifetime...
Sincerely,
James R. White, IMCS(SW) U.S.N.Retired
Odella Collins
September 16, 2004
Meadowgreen Park will yearn to fill a void left by Charlie Waller.The most masterful voice of all time. A different sun will rise in the morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Forrest & Amy Hoyt
September 16, 2004
He will be greatly missed.
Larry Harrison
September 16, 2004
There has only been the death of 1 entertainer that really hit hard with me, and that was Charlie Waller. Been a fan over 35 yrs. Now, we all need to go out and support Randy, Greg, Darin & Billy and keep Mr Wallers music alive.
Bruce Bowden
September 16, 2004
So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. Spent many hours learning how to play Dobro listening to the Country Gentlemen.Think I'll listen to God's Coloring Book.God Speed, Charlie.
Gayle Roudabush
September 16, 2004
Bluegrass on the Potomac was a very sad occasion without Charlie & CG. It was the first festival for me without them. Charlie will always be loved & missed. He will live on in his songs & our precious memories. Good luck to you Randy & the band. You are a Waller & you will succeed. Thanks for carrying on.
Tim Lansberry
September 15, 2004
Will Miss Charlie very much at the Graves Mountain Festival. He was My Hero !!
greg corbett
September 15, 2004
Charlie, I can't wait till we can sing together again.. You are so missed. I will never forget the years we spent together..
Greg Corbett
The Country Gentlemen
Harlow Reynolds
September 15, 2004
Hello,
We lost one of the greatest singer of all time. He will be miss by all.
Thanks to Randy for keeping the band together.
Thanks
Harlow Reynolds
1980 Easley Ave
Lynchburg,Va.--24501
Hank & Betty Richards
September 15, 2004
Gee, we are sure gonna miss seeing our favorite singer and long-time dear friend! He took the place of Webb Pierce as my Favorite quite a few years ago(Betty) Since "The Traveler Album"
It was really special having him as a friend since the early 70's and jamming with him and some of the Gents!
May God bless Sachiko, Mina, Randy and all the family including all the Country Gentlemen fans! We will never see another like him!
God bless the Country Gentlemen as they carry on with the Country Gentlemen music.
CHARLIE HIT THAT BIG WIRE AGAIN FOR Hank and I!!!
Hank and Betty
Samuel Casey
September 8, 2004
Charlie filled a void in our lives just being our freind. Marlene and i miss him greatly.God bless family and freinds.
Sam and Marlene Casey
Loretta Brown
August 26, 2004
A great voice has come to an end, it makes a lot of us very sad. I knew Charlie way back when he was just getting started in Northern VA. Also heard him at the Shamrock. This was at a time when you could get up close and personal with the band, you know the good old days. God bless his family.
Bill & Anita Danner
August 23, 2004
Yes, a truly great singer and entertainer - but even more important a truly kind and gentle man. He told us several times that as long as he lived Hank Snow would also live. Goodbye Charlie and Hank. Our empathy to Sachiko, Randy, and Mina. Your husband and father brought a lot of happiness into the lives of many. It is said that the ultimate measure of a man is to leave the world just a little better for his having been here...Charlie did that and a lot more. God Bless you, Charlie.
Barbara Blankenship
August 23, 2004
It's so hard to say goodbye to someone who was not only a legendary musician, but who encouraged so many to play and make music a part of their lives. I know that I and all the members of New Girls Nite Out will miss him.
Faye Glenn
August 22, 2004
The smoothest voice in BG has left to be in a better place. We will miss Charlie Waller as he makes in journey into a better place.
My sympathy goes out to his family and friends of Bluegrass.
I was lucky enough to get to spend some time with Charlie, Sachiko and Randy for quite a while at the Mineral festival 07/15/04. We took his picture for one last time and I will cherish this picture and the memories of Charlie Waller for the rest of my life. We will miss him in Saltville, Va this yr. as he was supposed to play at the big Labor Day Celebration.
My prayers and thoughts are with everyone that has ever known Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen.
Robert & Sharon Ritchie
August 22, 2004
We will miss Charlie at The Mineral Bluegrass Festivals.
Steve and Bonnie DeLauter
August 22, 2004
Our sincere condolences are with the family and the band. Charlie will be greatly missed by all. He was a great musician and entertainer. I am glad I was able to have seen Charlie at Lucketts,Virginia in April 2004.
Barry Clevenger
August 22, 2004
Charlie, I will miss you. The Country Gentlemen are why I pick and love Bluegrass. The Classic CG will never be matched and Charlie was a main reason why. Our prayers go to the family.
Alice Justice
August 22, 2004
Biography of a Honeysuckle
His voice was as smooth as rain from a stone
Trickling into an audible sound and melting your heart
As fresh as your first kiss and as sweet as honeysuckle on the vine
He left his voice print upon your life that will not soon part
Unblemished, although raw and exposed, his voice was so distinct
Each word he uttered floated on butterfly wings
His tranquil yet powerful voice will forever lull me to sleep
And although he is among angels now, I’m sure he sings, he sings.
In memory of Charlie Waller, The Country Gentlemen.
Alice Justice
Winchester, KY
Susan Kehoe
August 21, 2004
Wehn I was a teeneager I used to sneak nto the Shamrock to hear Charlie and the Country Gentlemen.. It was a musical education I wouldn't exchange for anything in the world. I used to go up and ask them questions during their breaks, which I know now they might not have appeciated, but Charlie was always courteous and kind. I've seen them in other venues over the years, but I will never forget the joy and sense of discovery of those early days. Peace to his family and all who loved him.
Elsie Monger
August 21, 2004
I always look forward to the Greene County fair each and every year, where Charlie and the Country Gentlemen play! Charlie seemed to love his job. It is hard to see a great musician with such a great voice go, but I know Charlie is "with our Lord now,he's taken him away!" I was able to recieve one of his last autographs this August. I am asking for a banjo for Christmas and was hoping to take it to the fair next year for all the Country Gentlemen to autograph, for they are one of my inspirations in taking up the banjo as a hobby. Deepest sympathy goes out to Charlie's wife, family and friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All!
Tom Shannon
August 21, 2004
The original 'Country Gentlemen' had a sound no one could match, and Charlie had a voice so distinctive, you could recognize it instantly even if you could not see him singing. (Tom Shannon, steel guitar, San Antonio, Texas.
Lou & Christy Pyrtle
August 21, 2004
Your voice will live forever.
Dan Mason
August 21, 2004
Charlie is the reason I discovered and love bluegrass. I enjoyed seeing him in recent years here in Kentucky at Poppy Mountain and Olive Hill . He was truly one of the great voices and pioneers of bluegrass music . He will be greatly missed .
GROVER AND LINDA WILSON
August 20, 2004
WE ARE SO SORRY. WHAT A GREAT MAN MR. WALLER WAS. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED IN BLUEGRASS BUT HIS LEGEND WILL GO ON ALWAYS IN OUR HOME. HE WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
GOD BLESS YOU.
SINCERELY,
GROVER AND LINDA WILSON
Charles Basford
August 20, 2004
Our thoughts and prayer are with the family. He was a legend and we are so glad we got to hear and see him in person. We all will remember and love his music.
Barbara Noel
August 20, 2004
I am so glad to have seen Charlie, his family and the band recently at the Kluge Show in Scottsville. As when we lost John Duffey in 1996, we have now lost another great person, friend and legend but Charlie will live on in his classic music and in our hearts. My deepest condolences go out to the Waller family and to all members of The Country Gentlemen.
Paul Harris
August 20, 2004
So Long Friend. We'll miss you. Say hello to John and the "Big Mon"!!
Our thought's and prayers are with the Waller Family!!
mike York
August 20, 2004
What a voice, what a legend. I'm so glad I got to see Charlie at Grave's Mtn this year. My sincere condolences. God Bless Charlie and you all.
Fred & Anne Smithson
August 20, 2004
Fred & Anne Smithsin
Brenda & Calvin Lawson
August 20, 2004
Our pray's are with you all. Charlie will be missed in the Bluegrass Land. It will not be anyone like him, and his music will go on. With all of our Love,
"Sweet Brenda"
Johnny Adams
August 20, 2004
Randy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Actually, the whole bluegrass world has lost one of its finest.
I was pleased to have learned recently that you were back playing music again with your Dad.
God be with you and your family.
Charlie and John are together again.
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