Charles Willard Boothe, 83, of Hopewell passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Born January 21, 1943, in West Virginia, he was the beloved son of the late Mary Ellen Gilbert and was the youngest of her children. He was also preceded in death by all of his siblings: brothers, Ken, Jack, Bobby, and Bill; and his sister, Dot.

In 1960, Charles proudly entered the United States Air Force, beginning a 20-year career of service to his country. He retired from the Air Force in 1980, carrying with him the pride, dedication, and quiet strength that defined so much of his life.

Charles was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his son, Chuck Boothe, and his wife, Derondah; and his grandchildren, Willa Boothe, and Savannah Boothe Johnson and her husband, Tanner.

He is also survived by his daughter, Leslea Boothe Caschette, and her husband, Christopher; and his grandchildren, Olivia, Lorelei, Nathaniel, and Brian.

He enjoyed his life with his devoted partner Cindy Bowers in Hopewell, Virginia. He cherished her children Brandon Bowers, Michelle Bryant, and their families.

Charles found joy in the things he loved. He was an avid golfer and a Dallas Cowboys fan through and through. He also had a special place in the hearts of many of Chuck and Leslea’s high school friends, who knew him, remembered him, and loved him throughout the years.

Charles was a man of few words, but those who knew him never needed many words to understand the love he carried for his family. He had a very distinct whistle—the sound that called the neighborhood children home—and that whistle became one of those small, unforgettable pieces of childhood that stayed with those who heard it.

To his children, he was more than a father. He was a hero. His quiet strength, his presence, and the life he built for his family will remain with them always. Charles leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, grandchildren who will carry his memory forward, and countless people whose lives were touched by his.

His voice may now be silent, but his whistle, his love, and the memory of the man he was will never fade. May he rest peacefully, reunited with those who went before him, and forever held in the hearts of those who loved him.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com