Charles Gilchrist Obituary

Charles Gilchrist TAPPAHANNOCK, VA - Charles P. Gilchrist Jr., 86, died at his home, Greenfield, the final chapter of a life well lived. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Jenkins Gilchrist (Gillie); he is survived by two sons and their families, Charles P. Gilchrist III and wife Linda; Joseph J. Gilchrist and wife Marion; seven Grandchildren and spouses, Stewart Gilchrist Jones and husband Crawford, Charles P. Gilchrist IV and wife Blair, Harrison Gilchrist; Cowles Gilchrist Whitley and husband Josh, Ellen M. Gilchrist, Jack Gilchrist, and Reid Gilchrist. Charlie grew up on Farnham Creek at his parents' home "Woodford", attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, SC, served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific. He received additional degrees in Biology (BS) and wildlife conservation (MS) from VPI after WWII. Charlie was hired by the VA Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries as a waterfowl biologist in the infancy of their waterfowl conservation program. He was instrumental in the development of such Game Commission-owned wetland areas as Hog Island, Mockhorn Island, Saxis Marsh, False Cape, and Lands End. Charlie was an active participant in the Atlantic Waterfowl Council from its inception until his retirement. In 1967 he was the first recipient of the VA Conservationist of the Year Award presented by The Virginia Wildlife Federation and The National Wildlife Federation. Very special thanks to caregivers, Shirley Simmons and Linda Hayes as well as to the most capable and professional "angles" from Riverside Hospice. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 25 of May at Greenfield (709 N Church Lane), the home of Charlie Gilchrist. A graveside service will be held at Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Aylett Country Day School Scholarship Fund. PO BOX 70, Millers Tavern, VA 23115, Attn: Dale Turpin. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths