By Staff
CW0-4 Charles Henry Brittain, USMC (Ret), 79, of Jacksonville, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Charles Brittain was born in Timpson, Texas and was the son of the late Harvey and Aulie Brittain.
He proudly served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps for 34 years and retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, W-4. He valiantly served in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. Personal decorations included 2 Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Combat “V” for meritorious service while in Vietnam. Other awards included the Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Stars, Korean and Vietnam Service Medals, and multiple other Unit and Campaign awards. During his service in Portsmouth, Virginia, CWO-4 C.H. Brittain enjoyed marathon running at which time he achieved the 1,000 Mile Club in September 1976 and the 1,500 Mile Club in April 1977.
Charlie surrounded himself with nature. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, hunting and working in his garden. Many of his nights were spent listening to his prize winning foxhounds while sitting around a fire. He had a great respect for wildlife and enjoyed sharing his experiences with others.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at Johnson Funeral Home at 12 p.m. with the Rev. Paul E. Fowler officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakdale Cemetery located in Washington, NC.
CWO-4 Brittain is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of more than 33 years, Betty S. Brittain of the home; and his children Susanne Slaughter Sanders and her husband Lenny of Maple Hill, Raymond Charles Brittain and fiance/ Jessica Wood of Holly Ridge, and Robin B. Kincaid and her husband Charlie Kincaid of Jacksonville, Vickie Brittain-Coleman and her friend Carol Cutler of Washington, Michael W. Brittain and his four-legged friend Romeo of Bath, brother Gerald Brittain and his wife Bernice; Eight grandchildren; Tandy Coyle and husband Richard of Windsor, VA., David Coleman and fianc/e Pam Morris of Cheyenne, WY. who both serve in the United States Air Force, Christopher Brittain and wife Nicole of Sanford, FL., Rebecca Brittain of Altamont Springs, FL., Jacob and Nicholas Sanders of Maple Hill, Lauren and Carly Kincaid of Jacksonville. Six great grandchildren; Emily, Parker, Nash, Andrew, Shawna and Dylan. He is preceded in death by late wife Melva Woolard Brittain; sisters, Betty Sue and Francis; brothers Cecil, Kenneth, and Eugene; one grandson, Eric Charles Brittain.
Flowers may be sent in care of Johnson Funeral Home.
Paid Obituary