Charles Edward Haupt

Charles Edward Haupt, 77, of Goochland, formerly of Charles City, VA died at home, May 16, 2018. He and his wife ran Haupt’s Country Store on Rt. 5 for over fifty years. Charles was born September 28, 1940 and was preceded in death by his parents, George H. Haupt and Julia Major Haupt. Charles loved his Charles City community. He ran Haupt’s Country Store just as his father and grandfather before him. The store had been in the family for over 100 years and although locations had changed slightly, the atmosphere and philosophy of personal service never changed throughout his tenure. It was always interesting to watch people’s faces as they stepped back in time as they walked through the front door. Complete with antiques, animal mounts, and pictures, hanging from the walls and shelves. Charles tried to have on hand most anything for the daily shopper, but he took pleasure in providing for the needs of the outdoorsman and gardeners during their seasons. He was well known for his fresh cut butchered meats especially steaks and homemade sausage. Charles had a welcoming, fun loving personality and the local folks would often come in and receive some light hearted teasing about the town gossip. He grew up a passionate outdoorsman and enjoyed many outdoor pursuits in Virginia and across the U.S. He was a commercial shad fisherman in the 1970’s and always a sport fisherman. He was an avid coon, rabbit and waterfowl hunter. The love of the outdoors was passed on to his son and grandsons. Equal to going on the hunts himself, he loved hearing the stories of others and encouraged the love of outdoor pursuits in all the young people. Often you could find a group of men circled around the meat room while Charles worked, telling tales just as his grandfather might have done around the iconic wood stove. He was an amazing southern gentleman who touched the lives of everyone he met. Whether it be opening the store after midnight to help a stranded motorist get gas, sharing his knowledge of Charles City’s history with the next generation, or offering advice to someone in need. He supported many community sports teams and local organizations. Charles absolutely loved Christmas time and the store was always decorated to celebrate the season. No matter how busy the retail season was around Christmas with many special orders of hams, turkeys and special requests, Charles always rallied for wonderfully fun, large family celebrations. He was generous with his time, gifts and talents always. Upon retirement in 2012, Charles and Jan moved to Goochland County and shared the last five years with children, grandchildren, and Rocky his sidekick australian sheppard. Rarely missed a Goochland High School home football or baseball game, whether one of his grandchildren were playing or not. He loved to be a part of any activity or project that was going on. We have a family joke that no matter how tall a task might seem, Charles would respond with “it will only take 5 minutes!” because he was of the mindset that he could always just pick up the phone and call one of his numerous contacts, friends or family…task is done! This was a reality because he was a connector and a conduit for the whole community and they all looked out for each other. Charles made many new friends at his new home but always enjoyed his return trips to see his friends in Charles City. He was very happy at his country home on Rocketts Wild Boar Creek reading books, watching old westerns and reruns of old TV series that he had never seen, offering a good conversation to whoever wanted to listen and waiting to see a black bear wander down the creek bank! Charles was a follower of Christ and belonged to Westover Church for many years. After retirement Charles was baptized and became a member of Ragland Memorial Baptist Church in Sandy Hook where he developed many new friendships and deepened his relationship with His Savior. He will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and loving him but we are blessed with the knowledge that he is pain-free and in perfect peace now in the heavenly Kingdom. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanette Haupt; his children, Susan Haupt Parrish (Mike) and Charles E. ‘Butch” Haupt, Jr. (Wendy); his brothers, Henry Haupt (Carolyn) and Warren Haupt (Anne); and his grandchildren, Clay, Evan, and Julia Parrish, and Caroline, Hannah, and Heather Haupt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. The family will receive friends 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 20th at Charles City High School Gymnasium, 10039 Courthouse Rd., Charles City, VA 23030. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140. Interment will be private. Memorials may be made to Charles City Library Campaign, PO Box 156, Charles City, VA 23030, or to a church or charity of your choice.

Charles Edward Haupt

September 28, 1940 - May 16, 2018