Pictures from a Life: Charles L. Woliver (5/21/27-5/9/17)

Today, May 21, 2017, would have been Dad's 90th birthday.  This post is in homage to him and is a pictorial look through those ninety years.

Obituary:

Charles L. Woliver, age 89, of South Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on May 9, 2017. Charles was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during WWII.  He was a member of Valley Grove Baptist Church.  Charles worked for the L&N (CSX) railroad for 43 years as a locomotive engineer.  He was also a member of the Sevier Co Masonic Lodge F&AM.

Preceded in death by his parents: Ernest and Leona Woliver; brothers: E.L., Hoyt, and Hubert; son Kim Woliver, daughter-in-law Patricia (Trish) and grandson Alex. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorsey Lou; sons, Charles Patrick (Loretta); and Adam (Dalene); grandchildren: Simon (Kris), Caroline, Eric (Kristy), Natalie, and Trey.  Great-grand daughters: Joy and Eva; niece Sharon Woliver. The Woliver family would like to thank the staff of Ben Atchley State Veteran’s Home for taking care of Charles for the last three years.

Dad (far left) seated by brother E. L and Hoyt (far right)

Dad pictured with his three brothers (from left to right)
Hubert (Chub); E.L.; Hoyt; and Dad

Dad as a teenager walking with confidence.

Dad at 16

Dad joined the Navy at age 17 (1944)

Dad and Mother while dating circa 1950

Dad and Mother on their wedding day (August 31, 1951)

Dad holding their first born (me) in 1953

My best man in 1976

Dad was an Locomotive Engineer for 43 years

Dad with his beloved wife Dorsey Lou

Dad on his 79th birthday surrounded by his sons (from left to right)
Kim, Pat, and Adam and his grandson Trey (far left)

Grandad with Simon and Caroline

Dad in his favorite chair in 2007

Dad and I in 2016

Eulogy written by my brother Adam:

Charles Lindbergh Woliver was the 3^rd of 4 sons born to Ernest and Leona Woliver.  Charles was born May 21, 1927….the day Charles Lindbergh made his historic flight from America to Europe.  Charles grew up in South Knoxville. He lived near the Tennessee River (right across the River from Neyland Stadium).  World War II broke out while my dad was in high school.  His 2 older brothers volunteered to join the armed forces so my dad begged his parents to sign to let him join as well (at the age of 17). Dad joined the Navy and was sent to the Pacific on a repair ship. Dad never talked much about the war. I regard him as being brave to volunteer at such a young age to go fight for his country and he always stated that he wanted to “look after his older brothers.” After he served in the Navy he came back and passed the GED since he never finished high school.  Even though my Dad never finished high school nor went to college, he was one of the smartest men I knew.  He got a job after the navy working on the railroad as a locomotive engineer.  He did not think of this as a job….He loved every moment driving a train.  He worked for the railroad for over 40 years.  I remember my dad working strange hours and working almost every day of the week.  He always told me that there was a sign above the door to the train station that said “Every day is Monday”.  He instilled in me and my 2 brothers a strong work ethic.  He always told me as I left the house either going to school or going to my summer job…”do the best job you can today”…..I remember one summer I was working at a hardware distributor picking orders….I had worked a 12 hour shift and the manager wanted me to come in early the next day to get a start on the heavy orders we had received….I told my dad that I thought about calling in sick that next day to rest…..He looked me in the eye and said, "you are getting out of  bed and going to work and I will wake you up myself to make sure you do”.  My dad always told all 3 of his sons to look people in the eye and always tell the truth.  My dad also loved his wife.  He always would tell mom that he loved her….He would hold her hand when out in public…..he also would go out on Christmas and birthdays and would personally buy her something special.  He always made her feel special.  My dad would go and help less fortunate people…..but he always did it in a low key, anonymous way that would not bring attention to himself.  He had nicknames for his sons:  my oldest brother Patrick was nicknamed “Corbin”… a city in KY from whence he had to take the train on most occasions; my middle brother Kim had the nickname “stud”…I don’t even want to know about the origin of that nickname (smile); then my nickname was “Jack”…..I don’t know where he came up with that name, but I knew he was in a good mood when he would call  me “Jack”.  Dad loved Valley Grove….I remember one Sunday we were sitting in the balcony and while the preacher was having the closing prayer I stepped out into the aisle to get a head-start on running outside to see my friends. Just as the preacher said “amen”, dad’s hand grabbed me by the collar and he said “if I ever catch you not closing your eyes and praying, you’re going to get the belt”.  From then on I made sure to pray when the preacher was praying.  Dad had a dry sense of humor and would make little funny sayings or jokes to make me laugh.  I look back at my up-bringing and consider myself lucky that God gave me two loving parents that taught me about God and how to live a Christian life.  My dad was not perfect, but he was a man I admired and try to emulate today.