Charles Edward Petry, 75, of Pinellas Park, FL, graduated to heaven on Father's Day, June 18, 2017 at Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park from post-cardiac arrest complications. Born March 11, 1942 to the late Charles W. and Freida Ebaugh Petry in Pleasant Valley, MD, which he joked, was just the "Valley" until his birth when they "changed" the name to Pleasant Valley. Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years Carolyn Petry, son Scott Petry, Holiday, FL, son and daughter-in-law Eric & Theresa Petry, Hanover, PA, daughter Kimberlee Petry Buhrman, Owings Mills, MD, grandson Christian Charles Buhrman, Westminster, MD, and sister Juanita Bennett & brother-in-Law John Bennett of Westminster, MD. Charles is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who viewed him as their "favorite" uncle. Charles is pre-deceased by sister Estella Williams and brother-in-law Paul E. Williams, Uniontown, MD.
On December 31, 1959, his life changed forever when he met Carolyn Crigger at Rainbow Roller Rink, Taneytown MD. Their first date was on his 18th birthday, March 11, 1960. They were married on July 20, 1963. Their lives were spent as best friends and soulmates and Charles was most happy taking care of his "Best Girl". Once retired and together every day, he never failed to say to Carolyn "I'm glad to be with you today".
Charles graduated from Francis Scott Key High School, Union Bridge, MD in June 1961 and after graduation served in the U.S. Army from August 1961 to July 1967 as an antenna lineman. He was stationed overseas in Turkey and the Philippines. Upon return from Turkey he was stationed in Petaluma, California and upon return from the Philippines, he was stationed at Homestead, Florida. While in the service, he honed his skills as a fantastic ping pong and chess player and came in second in a base chess tournament. He continued to play both chess and ping-pong his entire life.
He was so touched and saddened by the street children he saw in the Philippines and in January 1976, Charles & Carolyn adopted Kim from South Korea. It was meant to be since she was born on their wedding anniversary.
Charles was employed as a machinist by Black & Decker and Caterpillar Inc. He retired early from Caterpillar when the York, PA plant closed. He then became a tractor trailer driver for 12 years with Schneider National Trucking Co. Being typical Charles, he named his truck "Big Nadine". After retiring from Schneider, he focused on his favorite career as "Pap" to Christian, his "Favorite Grandson" and taking care of Carolyn, even learning to cook so he could have meals on the table when she came home from work.
In March 2014, Charles and Carolyn fulfilled their lifelong dream of retiring to Pinellas County, FL. Charles loved riding his bicycle, dining out with Carolyn and going to Disney World.
He was an active member of Church of the Open Door in Westminster, MD until his move to Florida where he became a member of Community Bible Baptist Church, St. Petersburg, FL.
Although he would refer to himself as not being very smart, his friends and family agree that he was one of the wisest persons around. He was a great listener and very thoughtful with his advice. He frequently advised and lived by "helping the little guy". One of his favorite activities was volunteering at Apollo Health and Rehab Center with the Chaplains Care Ministry.
A memorial service will be held on June 25, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Community Bible Baptist Church, 3800 17th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, FL 33713. A memorial service will also be held on July 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Open Door, 550 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster, MD 21157. Private interment will be held on June 26, 2017 at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Bible Baptist Church, New Building Fund, 3800 17th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, FL 33713. https://communitybiblebaptistchurch.cloverdonations.com/general/

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