Charles Luther Epperly, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on April 11th, 2010.

He was born in Hinton WV, on January 24, 1936. He was 74 years old.

Charles is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Maxine Moore Epperly. They resided in Covington. He is also survived by his children, Lisa Joann Clark and her husband, Brent of Covington, Sharon Kay Bartley and her husband, Kevin of Powhatan, Angie Caldwell of Covington, and John Charles Epperly of Stuarts Draft; his grandchildren: Rachael Epperly of Fredericksburg, Morgan Epperly of Stuart's Draft, Mary Clark, Stephen Caldwell, Elisabeth Clark, Kayla Caldwell, and Josh Clark, all of Covington; and Lucas Epperly of Fayetteville, NC. Also surviving is his sister, Rosemary Allman of Hinton WV; and his extended family, Steve Caldwell, Brenda Epperly, Jennifer Clark, and many cherished nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Alfred and Mary Etta Basham Epperly of Hinton WV; brothers: John Edmond Epperly of Belpre, OH and Thomas Alfred Epperly Jr. of Roanoke, and sisters, Carol Lee Craft and Anna Marie Harvey of Hinton WV.

Charles graduated from Hinton High Schoolin 1954. He was a member of the 150th Armored Calvary Regiment of the West Virgina National Guard and a member of the First Baptist Church in Hinton WV. Charles and Max relocated to Covington VA in 1962, where he began working at Westvaco. He worked many years as a pipe fitter and a technician in Quality Control until he retired in 1990 after 28 years of service.

Charles was an 18 year heart transplant survivor.

Charles was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He unselfishly lived each day of his life, giving love, friendship, and support to those around him. He had a fitting story to tell or a song to sing for every situation and always had a smile on his face. He was a blessing to all that knew him and was a hero to his family. He will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. William M. Hartsfield officiating. Following the funeral service, the family will receive friends. In keeping with Mr. Epperly's wishes, his body will be cremated.

Memorial donations in Mr. Epperly's name may be made to Mountain Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

The Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements.