Charles Ray “Whitey” Workman, 88, of Arthurdale, passed away on July 2, 2020, at his home surrounded by family.
Charles was born in Chattaroy (Mingo County), to Clyde Workman and Kate Runyon on Aug. 25, 1931. He was a 1949 graduate of Sherman High School, Seth (Boone County).
He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army Quartermaster Department for two years in Washington D.C. and was later stationed in Japan from June 1952-May 1954. In 1960, Charles joined the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and after 22 years of service he retired in 1981 as business manager, becoming a member of the FCI Robert F. Kennedy Retirees, of Morgantown.
Charles was passionate about fishing and hunting season. As a lifetime sportsman, he enjoyed everything from softball to golf, and even considered professional bowling. When he was not perfecting his garden, canning his labor of love or tinkering in the garage you would find him reading a novel or watching Fox News. As a father and grandfather, he rarely missed any life events near or far that his children and grandchildren were participants. For 46 years, he was a true West Virginia Mountaineer enthusiast and his blood ran blue and gold.
With his loving wife, Kay Elizabeth (Harrison) Workman, by his side for the past 63 years he served the Lord faithfully. In 1974, he became a member of Morgantown First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ serving as Elder, Sunday school teacher and occasionally giving the Fourth of July message. His family includes two daughters, Sharon and Pam Workman, of Texas; three sons, Charles Mark and Susan Workman, of Kentucky, Wayne Workman and Tammy (Albright) and Bruce and Sue Workman, of Reedsville. He’s the proud Papaw of 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He is survived by five siblings, Louise Gunnoe, Emogene Eplin, Edith Johnson and Clyde Workman Jr., of West Virginia, and Mary Heflin, of Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, June Meadows and Kay Gordon; nephew, Clyde Workman III; and granddaughter, Bethany Sue Workman.
The family expresses their thanks to Preston Home Health and M.G. Cancer Center for their care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charles’s memory to FCC Disciples of Christ of Morgantown, at 100 Cobun Ave. Morgantown, WV 26505 or to WV Caring of Preston County, at P.O. Box 760 Arthurdale, WV 26520.
Family and friends are invited to gather at McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road Morgantown, WV 26501 from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. Visitation will continue at Morgantown First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 100 Cobun Ave. Morgantown from noon on Monday, July 6 until the 1 p.m. funeral service with Pastor Bob Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Arthurdale Cemetery.
Condolences:
www.mcculla.com
