Charles “Charlie” Cornelius McGilvray, 91, of Hamlet, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond.
He was born Sept. 23, 1934, in Hamlet, son of the late B.Y. McGilvray and Flora Kirkley McGilvray.
Charlie was a proud graduate of Hamlet High School, class of 1954. He was a member of the Hamlet High School football team that placed as state runners-up in 1953. After his high school years, Charlie proudly served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1984. He also retired from the Florida Department of Corrections.
Charlie loved to travel and was an outdoorsman. He loved the coast and fishing throughout his life. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Hamlet. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Along with his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue Rewis McGilvray.
Left to cherish his memories are his cousins, Donald Kirkley Jr. of Washington state and Everette Kirkley of Rockingham, along with other cousins and extended family.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Richmond County Memorial Park, Rockingham. The Rev. Dr. Allison Farrah will be the officiant.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to: First Baptist Church, 208 Charlotte St., Hamlet, NC 28345.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
