Charles Emory Calhoun II

https://everloved.com/life-of/charles-calhoun-ii/?flow=201Charles Emory Calhoun II, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026.

He was born October 18, 1965, in Fayetteville, NC to the late Annette Calhoun-Payne and Charles Calhoun, Sr.

In addition to his mother, Charles was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ira and Lucille Lewis, Elbert and Rubelle Calhoun, Russell and Marylou Payne.

He is survived by his dad Brooks Payne, Sr.; his brothers, David Calhoun, II and spouse Debbie Calhoun, BJ Payne and spouse Paige Payne; his sisters, Monica Shafer, Michelle Calhoun; his nieces and nephews, to whom he was affectionately known as “Uncle Buck,” David Calhoun III and spouse Brittney Calhoun, Maxwell Shafer and spouse Gracie Shafer, Maggie Corujo and spouse Elijah Corujo, Kyle Kester and spouse Madison Kester, Kage Payne, Kassius Payne, King Payne, and Krosby Payne; and his great nieces and nephew, Nora and Ira Calhoun, Kambry and Leighton Kester.

Charles was a beloved brother, friend, attorney, athlete, storyteller, musician, actor, and servant to his community. He left a legacy defined not only by what he accomplished, but by the countless lives he touched along his way.

Charles was a proud graduate of Massillon Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, where he distinguished himself both on the football field and on the track. From 1981–1982, he was a Tiger offensive lineman and served as team captain in 1982. That same year, he was named AP First Team All-Ohio at offensive guard and was recognized as a National High School All-American. He was also selected as captain of the North team for the 1982 North-South All-Star Game. In 1983, Charles won the State Championship for shot put.

His athletic talents carried him to Illinois State University on a full athletic scholarship, where he played offensive line from 1983–1986. In 1986, he was named Outstanding Offensive at Illinois State.

Charles went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law, graduating in 1998. He built his legal career serving clients throughout New Hanover and Pender Counties in North Carolina. While he achieved professional success, it was his commitment to helping others that meant the most to him. Charles received numerous awards recognizing his pro bono work. In 2001, he even ran for Mayor of Carolina Beach, motivated by his desire to make a difference in the place he called home.

But to know Charles was to know that his life could never be reduced to a résumé.

He loved music. He looked forward every year to annual camping trips to a private music festival, where he could listen, play his banjo, and simply enjoy being surrounded by people and music. He loved to write short stories and create short films. Never one to shy from challenges or adventures, late in life, he discovered a new passion when he became a thespian. He spent many years immersed in the Wilmington theater community. Through the theater, Charles found a place to create, to laugh, to tell stories, and, perhaps most importantly, to forge deep and lasting friendships.

Charles genuinely loved people.

He eagerly met people exactly where they were and offered them what they needed most—a kindness, a listening ear, an encouragement, or, quite literally, the shirt off his back. He never needed a reason to make someone’s day better.

Most Saturdays started with a cup of coffee from his favorite coffee house. Then he would often take a bag of biscuits to share with members of the homeless community, make a visit the local farmers market to pick up an assortment of treats, and then spend the rest of the day delivering little “sprinkles of joy” to his family and friends.

That was Charles.

He found joy in people. He found joy in giving and found meaning in making someone else’s day even just a little brighter.

Charles leaves a giant void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, fellow athletes, musicians, and members of the Wilmington theater community.

He is missed beyond words, but he will never be forgotten. His stories will be told. His kindness, remembered. His laughter, missed. But the love he gave so freely will continue through everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’s memory to the Massillon Tiger Booster Club, the Massillon Boys & Girls Club, or the Hilton Head High School football program, where his brother, BJ Payne, serves as head coach.

A visitation will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington.

A graveside service will be at 2:00pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha/Willard, NC. Following the graveside service, a celebration of life will be from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Common Desk in Wilmington, NC.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Guest Book below or by going to his Ever Loved Memorial page https://everloved.com/life-of/charles-calhoun-ii/

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171