Charles "Charlie" Ward Highsmith, age 86, of Burgaw died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Pender Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 23, 1923 in Pender County, the son of the late George Herring Highsmith and Isla Williams Ward Highsmith. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Jane Highsmith Lindsey.

Surviving are his brother and sister-inlaw, George H. Highsmith, Jr. and Catherine Dexter Highsmith of Ward's Corner; nephew, Al Highsmith; nieces, Martha C. Highsmith, Jane Ward Highsmith, Ann Sult and Virginia Cole; several great nephews and nieces; one great great nephew and one great great niece.

Mr. Highsmith was a faithful member of Caswell Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder, Sunday school treasurer and choir member. He also worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the church was properly maintained and ready for worship and other events, including producing bulletins for many years. Proudly he served during WW II in the US Army and was awarded a Purple Heart. Charlie was the first fire chief of Atkinson Volunteer Fire Department. He was instrumental in the organization of Black River Health Center, serving as a charter member of the Board of Directors and was the first patient at the clinic. Charlie's engaging smile, friendly manner and thoughtfulness of others will always be remembered.

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Caswell Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Roy Brewton and Pastor Richard Wurtzel officiating.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday in the church sanctuary, one hour prior to the funeral service. At other times the family will be at the home of George and Catherine Highsmith.

Burial will follow in Rockfish Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Wallace.

Casketbearers will be Dr. George Wells, Gene Jordan, Ross Floyd, Bruce Williams, Dr. Duane Blanton, Nate Farrior, John Ferrell and Jack Turner.

Honorary bearers will be Men's Bible Class of Caswell Presbyterian Church and the Wednesday Night Boys.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Caswell Presbyterian Church. PO Box 189, Atkinson, NC 28421.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.