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Charles Willard Jewell Jr, 75, of Troy, Ill., passed away at home Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 from a terminal illness caused by his military service at Camp Lejeune Marine Corp Base, NC. He battled numerous illnesses associated with this terminal disease with no complaints, but the same determination, vigor and strength for which he was known.

He was born Aug. 29, 1948 in Gary, W.Va. to the late Mary Nell Shoemaker Jewell and Charles Willard Jewell Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceeded in death by: sisters, Cheryl Jewell Flippo and Gina Jewell Woods; brother-in-law, Don Woods; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earnest and Alice Carl Buck; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Buck Heppenstall.

He is survived by: his wife of 32 years, Kay Buck Jewell; daughter, Sheri Bennington Julian (Derrick) of Matthews, NC; 2 step-daughters, Stacey Lane Wellen (Dale) of Highland, Ill., and Jodi Lane (Kevin Bookout) of St. Louis, Mo.; 3 grandchildren, Madison Wellen of Columbia, Mo., Johnathon Wellen of Highland, and Nathan Julian of Matthews; siblings, Anita Jewell Pratt (Eugene) of Monroe, NC, Pamela Jewell (Cathy) of Mocksville, NC, Terry Jewell of Charlotte, NC, and Rick Jewell (Teresa) of Harmony, NC; brother-in-law, Duane (Pat) Buck of Kansas; sister-in-law, Rita (Dale) Powers of Colorado; several nieces and nephews, great- nieces and nephews, extended family; and many beloved dogs.

Charlie served in the United States Marine Corp from 1969-1971 as a Corporal and Provost Marshall Investigator and earned several commendations including the Rifle Expert Badge.  After completing his military service, Charlie graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and later with a Master of Business Administration degree from Marshall University. He began his career as an accountant at the WVU Bookstore in Morgantown, W.Va. and worked at executive levels at various companies including Exxon in Houston, Texas and Albers, Ill.; NERCO in St. Louis, Mo.; Pacific Corp in Salt Lake City, Utah; Entergy and Enron in Houston; PeeKay, Inc in Auburn, Wash., and ultimately retired in 2018 as CEO of Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Greenville, Ill. (The jobs also included time spent working in Summerville, West Virginia and Lake Oswego, Ore.)

While living and working in many parts of the country, he made many lifelong friends while always exhibiting excellence in his career.  His generous spirit led him to help family, friends and communities, often anonymously. In 1999, he donated over $20,000 to Mocksville Elementary School in order to provide Christmas dinners and presents to 20 families in need. The Family of Charles Jewell was awarded Davie County’s Community Service award for the school year. In 2000, he also provided thousands of dollars to the newly opened Cornatzer Elementary School for football uniforms and equipment for their inaugural season.

A Celebration of Life will be held in West Virginia per his wishes in the Spring of 2024, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to charitable organizations involving pets or food banks in your area.