Charles Tanner Zuidema

ROCKY MOUNT – Charles Tanner Zuidema, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Born in Elizabeth City County, VA on January 3, 1933, he was the son of the late Charles M. Zuidema and Estell Jolley Eggleston. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Fannie Zuidema; his brother, Malcolm Zuidema; his special aunt, Emily; and his brother-in-law, George Pridgen. Charles was in the US Army and fought during the Korean War. He worked for the railroad and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Charles loved his Lord and attended Englewood Presbyterian Church and later Red Oak Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and yard work, but his favorite hobby was fishing. Charles was the caretaker of his beloved wife for the last 15 years of her life. Charles is survived by his brother, Carl Zuidema; his sisters, Carol Tessier and Johanna Houssani; his sisters-in-law, Peggy Conway of Battleboro and Edith Reaves and husband, Bobby, of Kinston; his brother-in-law, Earl Pridgen and wife, Tennie, of Rocky Mount; his niece, Hope Jones and husband, Robert, of Rocky Mount; his nephews, Dwayne Pridgen and wife, Beth, of Wendell Falls and Johnie Pridgen and wife, Janet, of Rocky Mount; his great-nephew, Tyler Jones of Wilmington; his best friends, Ellsworth Darrell and George Harris; and his caretaker, Wendy Mayo. A Graveside Service to celebrate Charles’ life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Battleboro Cemetery with Pastor Chris Fowler officiating. The family will be available to receive friends and relatives immediately following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charles’ memory to Red Oak Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 260, Red Oak, NC 27868. 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.