Charles Austin Cardwell, Jr. passed away on May 21, 2022, after recently celebrating his 89 ^th birthday. Born on May 12, 1933 in Goodwill, West Virginia, Charles was the eldest child of three; son of Reba Lee and Charles Austin Cardwell, Sr. and brother to Carolyn Cardwell of New York and Donald Cardwell of Paris, France. The family lived in Bluefield, West Virginia but as a teenager, Charles moved to Winston-Salem, NC to live with his Aunt, Thony Mae Simpson, and graduated from Carver High School in 1951.

Charles moved back to West Virginia upon graduation to attend West Virginia State College for two years before entering the United States Air Force. Charles was stationed in Europe during most of his deployment. Charles returned to his home-state following his military service and completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the Institute of West Virginia. Charles continued to sharpen his business management and accounting skills, taking courses at Forsyth Technical Institute and Wake Forest University before earning his Real Estate and Brokers License in 1973.  Charles began his career in Washington, DC at the Library of Congress and would later go on to work at IBM, the Patterson Ave. and Winston-Lake YMCAs where he served as Interim Director, Winston-Salem Mutual Insurance and The Experiment in Self Reliance where he served as Comptroller. Charles also worked for several real estate agencies before his entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Cardwell Realty.

While dedicated to his career and family, Charles also made time to serve on Boards in the community and volunteering for organizations including: Tanglewood Park, Holland Homes.  Charles achieved Gold Star acknowledgment from First Baptist Church, Highland Ave. Winston-Salem where he was a member for over 56 years.

In 1962, Charles married the former Joan Greenwood and they were the proud parents of twin daughters, Chareba and Charlita. The parents anticipated the arrival of a son who would be named Charles Cardwell, III however much to their surprise and delight, they welcomed two girls. Still wanting namesakes, "Char" inspired Charlita (little Charles) and Chareba (Charles + her grandmother, Reba).

He was a doting girl dad to Charlita and Chareba, attending every recital, event, and program his active girls participated in over the years. Joan and Charles were so proud to have twin daughters and they celebrated both girls' birthdays as major events.  There was always a theme and matching outfits. One of their most cherished parties was appropriately named, Charlie's Angels. These birthdays were special because these babies were miracles for Charles and Joan, his wife of forty-eight years.

Charles was a true fan of the Motown Sound, and loved to sing and dance to music from that genre. More introverted than social, Charles was a voracious reader, so much so, he had read the Bible cover to cover more than once. He was also an avid traveler; his favorite getaways were cruises, riverboats and casinos and he made time for a good hand of cards and lively conversation. He lived his motto, "Bet the max, don't play small."

Known for his straightforward communication, quick wit, and an unforgettable way of communicating that most described as "colorful". Charles said what he meant and meant what he said; he was efficient with his word. He was funny but firm and feisty. He was strong-willed and it was this tenacity that allowed him to endure health challenges with strength and grit.  Despite being wheelchair bound for over a decade, he managed to show up for his family when it mattered most. Charles' personality carried him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reba Lee and Charles Cardwell, Sr., wife Joan G. Cardwell, daughter Charlita Cardwell, brother Donald Cardwell, and devoted aunts, Thony Mae Simpson, Margaret Christian and Eula Ingram.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved daughter and namesake, Chareba Cardwell Buckhannon (Michael), sister, Carolyn Cardwell (Jimmy Harris); grandchildren: Brandon Buckhannon, Bailey Buckhannon, Channing Cardwell Moore and Sloane Cardwell Moore and a host of extended family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 18, 2022 at Evergreen Cemetery. Family visitation will begin at 10:30am with Military tribute starting at 11am; graveside service will follow under the direction of Russell Funeral Home.