Charles Leslie Relyea, age 76, of Clayton, Michigan, died unexpectedly at home early Wednesday morning, October 29, 2024.
Charlie was born on September 8, 1948, in Adrian, Michigan, the oldest of Charles A. and Martha (Miller) Relyea’s two children. Charlie graduated from Sand Creek High School with the Class of 1966 and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force for four years. During his time in the Air Force, Charlie received a variety of training and took on roles as a helicopter mechanic, pilot and crew chief.
Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Mary A. VanNorman, on July 29, 1972, in Adrian, MI. Over the next 51 years, Charlie and Mary raised two children and grew in their love and commitment to one another. Charlie lost his beloved, Mary, on December 10, 2023.
For over twenty years, Charlie worked at ACME Preserves in Adrian before moving on to Bixby Hospital where he worked in the maintenance department for 10 years. Charlie’s strong work ethic was evident in every job he held during his lifetime. His easy-going personality and sense of humor was always on display in his interactions with others. When it was time to relax, Charlie liked to be outdoors fishing and hunting. Family was Charlie’s pride and joy, and he treasured the times when they were all together.
Charlie leaves behind his children, Michael (Julia) Relyea and Christy Relyea; and grandchildren, Connor, Ryan, Eric and Angelina. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; and sister, Susan Relyea.
Visitation for Charlie will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024, from 4 to 8 pm.at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Christy Shaw officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
Charlie was born on September 8, 1948, in Adrian, Michigan, the oldest of Charles A. and Martha (Miller) Relyea’s two children. Charlie graduated from Sand Creek High School with the Class of 1966 and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force for four years. During his time in the Air Force, Charlie received a variety of training and took on roles as a helicopter mechanic, pilot and crew chief.
Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Mary A. VanNorman, on July 29, 1972, in Adrian, MI. Over the next 51 years, Charlie and Mary raised two children and grew in their love and commitment to one another. Charlie lost his beloved, Mary, on December 10, 2023.
For over twenty years, Charlie worked at ACME Preserves in Adrian before moving on to Bixby Hospital where he worked in the maintenance department for 10 years. Charlie’s strong work ethic was evident in every job he held during his lifetime. His easy-going personality and sense of humor was always on display in his interactions with others. When it was time to relax, Charlie liked to be outdoors fishing and hunting. Family was Charlie’s pride and joy, and he treasured the times when they were all together.
Charlie leaves behind his children, Michael (Julia) Relyea and Christy Relyea; and grandchildren, Connor, Ryan, Eric and Angelina. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; and sister, Susan Relyea.
Visitation for Charlie will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024, from 4 to 8 pm.at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Christy Shaw officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
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