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Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield unto those who put their trust in Him.”
John 14:2-3
“In my Father’s house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And, if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. Amen!”
William Richard Charlton, 81, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. He was a native of Carter County and son of the late George and Risie Drain Charlton. He lived and was educated in New York City where he was a successful and a highly sought-after Barber. He was an active member of The Baptist Temple in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he was a part of ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ within inner city communities. He served as an integral part of The Baptist Temple family, and a Sunday School bus driver, transporting children to and from early Sunday morning services and Sunday School classes. A faithful and dedicated servant to our Lord and Savior.
A few of his hobbies included antiquing, re-finishing furniture and demonstrative storytelling. He was the light and life of any family gathering, with his uncanny humor and boisterous laughter. He always wore a bright smile. And, he never met a stranger. He loved all animals, especially Doberman Pinchers and Greyhound breeds. He enjoyed gospel and country music. When driving in the car with Rich, one would be serenaded with one of his tunes, whether you wanted to be serenaded or not! You might have even been serenaded while sitting in his Barber chair too, for a haircut and a song! He had a loyal following and his customers adored him!
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Charlton; five sisters, Elsie Carden, Betty Carter, Dorothy Whitaker, Lillian Scalf and Pauline Mattaliano, and three brothers, Luther, Newell and Kenneth Charlton. Richard was the youngest of his sibling group of 10 children.
Survivors include the light of his life, the center of his heart and greatest accomplishment, his one daughter, Jodi Wlodarczak, RN, son-in-law, TJ, and two grandchildren Berkeley and Thadd Wlodarczak; his only surviving sibling, Grace Lepkofker, a dutiful and loving caregiver for Rich; and many nieces and nephews.
We want to thank all the doctors and nurses at Sycamore Shoals Hospital that cared for Rich during his last day. You are appreciated for your dedication and service.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 13, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Chris Hughes officiating. Interment will follow the service. The family will receive friends at Memorial Funeral Chapel from 1 until 2 p.m., prior to the service. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Charlton Family.