Charles Awtrey

Charles E. Awtrey (“Popeye” to his grandkids and great-grandkids) was born on August 28, 1931 to Hubert and Irene Awtrey in Birmingham, Alabama. He went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the age of 92. He leaves behind a loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Barbara Pendley Awtrey and two sons, David (Lynne) and Steve (Virginia); four grandchildren, Luke, Rachel, Ashlyn and Alex; two great-grandchildren, Judah and Grace; Brother-in-Law, Gene Pendley; and a host of nieces and nephews, friends and church family.

Charles grew up in the Central Park area of Birmingham and attended Ensley high school. Charles joined the USMC, but was discharged because his mother wouldn’t sign the papers because he was only 17. He later joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War, stationed in Japan. He earned the rank of Staff Sargent. His father was Captain of the Birmingham Fire Department and a home builder. When Charles returned home from the Korean War, he followed in his father’s footsteps and carried on a great family heritage of working as a Birmingham Firefighter and home builder. His father taught many men the skill of carpentry and home building and demanded excellence from those he taught, including his sons.

After retiring from the fire department, he sold residential and commercial flooring.

His love for music and craftsmanship led him to build steel guitars and he received the Pioneer Award from the Alabama Steel Guitar Hall of Fame for his work, that included guitars played by many notable performers, even on the Grand Ole Opry.

His greatest love on earth was his family and friends. He loved his wife and family. His smile and laugh was a bright spot in his life. His jokes were corny and repetitive (smiling as I type this). He never dodged the opportunity to tell you a story or show you how to build something.

Charles was spared from dying on many occasions fighting fire, heart attack and cancer. He was ultimately saved from sin and became a Christian in 2006 at the age of 76 at FBC Pinson where he was baptized. He rarely missed a Sunday as long as his health allowed, and always had his well-worn Bible in his hand. His death came suddenly following an unexpected illness, following a wonderful Christmas with his family. We will miss him.

The family would like to thank all of the people who showed so much compassion for him and his family during his illness. We would like to thank the caring staff of SVE; his sitter, Deborah; Compassus Hospice Care; Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home;  FBC Pinson; the great friends who are participating in his funeral service; the USAF, Birmingham Fire and Rescue and Center Point Fire Department,  and others. We are Forever grateful.

His celebration of life service will take place at First Baptist Church Pinson on Thursday, January 18, 2024 with visitation from 12-2 PM and service at 2pm. David Awtrey will bring the message. Due to weather conditions there will be no graveside services following the services in the sanctuary.