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Charles “Chuck” Ellington Thorne, Jr.

September 4, 1961 ~ September 20, 2021

ROCKY MOUNT - Charles "Chuck" Ellington Thorne, Jr., age 60, passed away at home on Monday, September 20, 2021. Born in Nash County, NC on September 4, 1961, he was the son of the late Charles E. Thorne, Sr. and Lois Johnson Thorne. Chuck graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1979 and later graduated from East Carolina University in 1984 with a degree in Education. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi. Chuck was full of life and character, affectionately known as ‘Captain Cocktail' to many. He had a wide and varied circle of friends. Chuck never met a stranger and would welcome all into his friendship. He loved laughing with his family and friends and spending time anywhere warm. Chuck worked alongside his dad for more than 35 years at Cargocare Transportation Co., Inc. in Rocky Mount. This 80+ year old family-owned and operated trucking company was the gold standard for regional trucking companies hauling tobacco. Chuck leaves behind to cherish his memory, his partner of 31 years, Jeff Smith of Nashville; his sisters, Terri Darby of Zebulon, Susan Tanner and her husband, Jimmy, of Rocky Mount, and Cathy Sutton of Red Oak; his nephews, Charlie Cook, Alex Darby, and Michael Sutton, Jr.; and his niece, Elizabeth Cook. A Funeral Service to celebrate Chuck's life will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams and Chaplain Neil Smith officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum. A visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM prior to the service at the church. A Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is requesting the need for social distancing and wearing of masks due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Englewood United Methodist Church 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2926 --> | Friday 9/24, 11:00 am - 11:45 am A Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM prior to the service at the church. Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 9/23, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm A Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Service Englewood United Methodist Church 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2926 --> | Friday 9/24, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm A Funeral Service to celebrate Chuck's life will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams and Chaplain Neil Smith officiating. Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Friday 9/24, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum.

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  1. Chuck never knew a stranger! I met him through the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at ECU. He always took time to say hello and give you his smile if you weren’t wearing one! Rest In Peace sweet Chuck!

  2. We have great memories of his vivacious love and humor which brought pleasurable experience to our every encounter with him. He will be greatly missed. With loving memories and thoughts, Tom and Laurel Frey

  3. So sorry for your loss. Chuck was always so funny and so much fun to be around. He will be missed. Prayers for his partner and the Thorne family.

  4. My deepest sympathy goes out to Jeff and family. Chuck will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind and so much fun to be around.

  5. I am in shock to learn of Chuck’s passing! He was always the life of the party. Sending prayers to his family and friends.

  6. My sincere thoughts and prayers to Chuck’s family. My deepest love to his trusted and dedicated partner Jeff. Praying for strength, peace and comfort.

  7. RIP my friend. I will always remember the smile on your face and the smile you alwyas put on everyone else’s…love you buddy… Ann Marie Raper Rogers

  8. My sincere condolences to the family. Chuck was a fraternity brother at ECU and was always such a bright spot in all of our lives. I will miss him. Prayers for the family as you deal with this loss.

  9. My deepest condolences. Although I have not seen Chuck in many years, I can so clearly hear his laughter and funny stories. I will remember him as kind, loving and welcoming soul. I send my love and sympathy to all his family and friends.

  10. So sad to see this. Chuckie was an amazing guy and his obituary is spot on. I have not seen Chuck in years but always looked forward to seeing him in Rocky Mount. Never a dull moment when Chuck was around. May God Bless his family and friends!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  11. The Thorne family were my backyard neighbors. I’ve know Chuck since he was a little boy. Chuck and his sisters, Terry, Susan and Cathy were my childhood friends. My heart is broken to learn of his passing. I know his parents were delighted to be reunited with him. My love and prayers are being sent to Jeff, Terry, Susan, Cathy and his nephews and niece. May God comfort you and give you peace.

  12. Chuckie boy.. know you are happy to be with with parents now. Working with you and your family for 46 years was a blessing. You and I shared special moments, sad times, happy times, crying times, disagreements and secrets. Jeff, Terri, Susan, Cathy I am so sadden for your loss. He will be missed but we know no more pain or heartache. Loving thoughts and prayers. cathy

  13. Chuck was so much fun to be around. He was always smiling and making everyone laugh. He will be missed. God bless Chuck and his family. May he rest in peace. Amy Brown

  14. I am very sorry about Chuck’s passing. His father Charlie was a very dear friend of mine. It is comforting to know he is now in heaven with the good LORD. No pain or suffering. And one day all family will be with him again. Isn’t that a beautiful thought Please know the Thorne’s are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, OK. WITH LOVE WIDGIE KORNEGAY 3741 SUNSET AVE., APT.E-7 ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. 27804 252-904-2754 [emailprotected]

  15. Growing up two blocks away from the Thornes in Englewood (Rocky Mount), we crossed paths all of the time. I spend many a day shooting hoops in his driveway. It has been many years since I saw Chuck but he was always the life of the situation. Condolences go out to his family.

  16. Jeff, as a testament to your strength and courage, you are in our prayers. I hope you find peace and comfort in your time of grief. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.. Let the memories provide comfort in your journey through this loss.


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