Charles Lee Hargis, beloved husband and faithful father. Whether we live or die, it must be for God, rather than for ourselves. Whether we live or die, it must be for the Lord. This is because Christ died and rose to life, so that he would be Lord of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:7-9.
Charles was born in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was an accomplished clarinetist in high school, and drum major in the band. In Boy Scouts, he reached the level of Eagle Scout. He continued to play clarinet at Davidson College in the orchestra and gave solo concerts. He graduated from Davidson College, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1962, where he was the recipient of the Greek prize.
In 1966, he graduated from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA with a Bachelor of Divinity. In 1967, he earned a Masters of Theology degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. November 5, 1967.
From 1967-1969, he served his first pastorate at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, VA. On August 31, 1968, he married Beth, his wife of 45 years. Charles taught high school mathematics in Richmond, VA from 1969-1970, before entering graduate school. He graduated from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA, with a Ph.D. in Theology in 1974.
While working toward his doctorate, he served in three pastorates in VA: Brett Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church (West Point), St. James Church (King William), and Squires Memorial Presbyterian Church (Norfolk).
From 1978-2004, Charles served on the faculty of Moravian Theological Seminary , Bethlehem, PA, first as an associate, then as a full professor, where he taught Christian Theology, Christian Ethics, Greek Language, and Exegesis (critical interpretation of the Scriptures). He honorably retired in 2004.
He then served as a supply pastor at Fincastle Presbyterian Church. Learning and studying were very much a part of his life and he was a gifted teacher. He spent countless hours in libraries doing research. Charles was an avid and voracious reader. He loved languages, because he was fascinated by words and linguistics.
Through example, he taught his family the beauty of music, especially classical and choral music. Other interests included the collection of and fascination with timepieces. He got a kick out of collecting flashlights, and always had multiple ones in every room. Most of all, he loved his family and devoted himself to providing for them.
He is survived by his wife, Beth, of 45 years; a daughter, Michele, son-in-law, David Albright; grandchildren, Christopher and Beth; and son, Mark Hargis.
In accordance with his wishes, a private family service will be held. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26
cHARLES WAS A FRATERNITY OF MINE AT DAVIDSON COLLEGE FROM 59-62. CHARLES AND i ALSO PLAYED IN THE DAVIDSION WIND ENSEMBLE AND I ENJOYED HIS SENSE OF HUMOR.
cHARLIE INVITED ME TO APPLY TO SERVE AS A COUNSELOR AT A CAMP IN MAINE ONE SUMMER DURING OUR DAVIDISON YEARS. CHARLIE WAS THE “NATURE BOY” AND LOVED THE OUT- 9F -DOORS. i REMEMEBER WITH FONDNESS THAT SUMMER BECAUSE WHEN WE RETURNED TO MY HOME TOWN FROM THE CAMP, WHO, BUT CHARLIE WOULD BRING A RACOON WITH HIM. HE WANTED TO TAKE THE RACOON WITH HIM ON A BUS TO JOHNSON CITY TENNESSEE, BUT THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE NONE OF CHARLIE ON THE BUS WITH A WILD RACOON. HOW SAD CHARLIE WAS,BUT WE FIGURED OUT THAT TRAINS MIGHT SERVE THE PUPOSE. WE CRATED THE RACOON AND TOOK HIM TO RAILWAY EXPRESS WHERE THE CREW ACCEPTED HIM AND PLACED HIM IN HIS CRATE ALONG SIDE A “COON” HOUND. i SUSPECT THAT THE TWO ANIMALS DID NOT BECOME FRIENDS ON THEIR JOURNEY, BUT CHARLES REPORTED THAT ALL WAS WELL WITH HIS FRIEND, MR. RACOON.
i RESPECTED CHARLES FOR HIS INTELLECT, HIS LOVE OF ALL THINGS LIVING, AND HIS FRIENDSHIP WHICH WE RENEWED FROM AFAR WHEN i RAN INTO HIM AT UNION SEMINARY IN rICHMOND.
R i P CHARLES