Charles Josheau Autrey

Charles Josheau Autrey, Sr., 59, of Crawley Dale Street, Morganton, NC, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, November 17, 2006 after an extended illness at Duke University Medical Center. Born in Spruce Pine, NC on May 22, 1947, he was the son of Agnes Biddix Autrey and the late Claude Autrey, Sr. Also preceding him to Heaven was his infant sister, Mary Sue Autrey and a brother-in-law, Bobby Cox. Charles was a faithful member of Burkemont Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and chairman of the deaf ministry. He was a retired employee of Henredon Furniture, and was a gifted wood carver and artist. Mr. Autrey was dearly loved by his family and everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Brenda Hudson Autrey of the home; his children, Charles Josheau Autrey, Jr. and wife, Lara Somers Autrey, of Morganton, Joseph Wesley Autrey and girlfriend, Deanna Cunningham, of Rutherford College, and Dr. Melessa Leigh Autrey Liebzeit and husband, Ryan J. Liebzeit, of Winterville, NC; grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Josheau Autrey, Kaitlin Autrey, and Jackie Cunningham; his siblings, Roger Autrey and wife, Cindy, Carole Autrey Cox, and Claude Autrey, Jr.; a special brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Judi Hudson; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Reverends Dr. Marshal Pridgen, Harold Sprinkle, and Dr. David Mills officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at their residence, 5118 Crawley Dale Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to United Network for Organ Sharing, c/o UNOS Foundation, P.O. Box 2484, Richmond, VA 23218.