Dr. Charles Hall Daugherty – Chuck, Tee, Uncle Chuck, Pops – passed February 25th, 2019, surrounded by a loving horde of family.
Chuck was born in St. Louis Missouri May 27, 1936, to Milton and Carrie Daugherty. He spent his youth in Brazil as part of a missionary family. He graduated from Davidson College and received his Ph.D. from Georgetown University.
Before international education was commonplace, Chuck participated in a Junior Year Abroad program, studying at the University of Allahabad in India. Chuck completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Brazil where he met Mary Lee Smith and welcomed his first child Sonia into the world.
In 1966, Chuck returned to the States beginning his professional career as a professor of Political Science at Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) during which time he welcomed his son Shawn. Chuck served as Director of the West Virginia Humanities Council for 20 years.
In 1994, Chuck married his soul mate Christine Weiss Daugherty. Chuck and Christine shared a passion for travel, art, family and community. His marriage to Christine expanded his family to include Margret Vargas, Adam Weiss, and Noah Weiss.
From 1996-1999, Chuck and Christine lived in Slovakia where they assisted rural communities and newly-formed non-profits with economic and community development. As a result of their work in Banska Bystrica they led the effort to form a Sister City Alliance with Charleston, forming art, education, non-profit and business exchanges between the two towns. Chuck also assisted in the development of Nadej Detom (Hope for Children) a organization supporting Roma children. First Presbyterian Church continues to support this organization
Chuck was a missionary, serving his many communities as an enthusiastic volunteer and a convener of many. He volunteered at the Hubbard Hospice House, Meals on Wheels and Kanawha Valley Village People. For several decades Chuck was the primary motivator for a men’s support group to help men with struggles and joys.
Chuck loved music, and loved to sing. He was a member of the Davidson Chorus, various church choirs, particularly First Presbyterian’s, and the West Virginia Symphony Chorus.
Chuck kept active and fit. For many years he ran the Charleston Distance run and completed one marathon. In recent years, he greatly enjoyed the Silver Sneakers program at the Charleston YMCA.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Christine Weiss Daugherty; his sister, Alma Gordon; his children and step children, his many grandchildren, great – grandchildren (who he loved to take for ice cream and books), and a whole host of other family and friends.
Chuck had an easy smile and a wonderfully infectious laugh. He was genuinely interested in what each person he encountered had to say. His light and love will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hubbard Hospice House, Kanawha Valley Village People or the charity of your choice.
There will be a memorial service on March 10 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Charleston.