Charles "Charley" Friddell

CHARLES "CHARLEY" FRIDDELL, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76 on October 12, 2025, due to ongoing complications from a heart attack in 2023 as well as COPD and emphysema. At the time of his death, he was residing in the Belmont Village Senior Living Center in Nashville, TN near the family of his son. He had a large group of friends and excellent care.
Charley was born in Mansfield, OH, on January 12, 1949, to Richard and Ada Friddell (Gardner). As a young man he achieved Eagle Scout, learned drafting, raced motorcycles, and enjoyed working on cars. His widely varied career included positions as draftsman, mechanic, restaurant cook, construction foreman, craftsman, general contractor, and white water rafting guide. He had a passion for history and politics that he shared with everyone he met. He also felt a responsibility to his community which drove him to serve on committees for the improvement of Hugheston, London, and the Upper Kanawha Valley. He contributed to the Public Service District, the installation of sewer systems in Hughes Creek, the naming of the streets for emergency services, and the WV state board that defined white water guide training standards. He also worked with Gary Tucker and others on the design, drafting, and construction of the Hughes Creek Community Church.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Friddell, Jr.; his mother, Ada; father, Richard; and wife of 46 years, Gloria Hudnall.
He is survived by his brother David; son, Michael; with two grandsons, Mason and Ethan, and daughter, Mellicent. His legacy extends far and wide through in-laws, nieces, a nephew, life-long friendships, and "adopted" neighbors.
He will be remembered by everyone who talked to him as compassionate and thoughtful. For those willing, his conversations could go on for hours and cover nearly any variety of topic, typically ending with "well, looks like we solved all of the world's problems." Those of us who had the pleasure of such conversation would agree that if he had a big enough stage, he likely could have solved the world's problems.
A service of remembrance and celebration of life will take place at the Hughes Creek Community Church on Saturday, November 29, at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of his preferred charities: WV Health Right in Charleston: https://wvhealthright.org/ where his wife worked or Richland Newhope in Mansfield, OH https://www.rnewhope.org/ which his parents helped start.