Charles "Charlie" Maggard, Jr.

February 17, 1923 - June 7, 2011

Maggard, Jr., Charles E. “Charlie," 88, of Big Stone Gap, VA, passed away peacefully at Heritage Hall in Big Stone Gap, Va. On Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Charlie was born in Roda, VA on February 17, 1923, to Charles and Maggie (Wells) Maggard. He served in World War II in The Pacific Theater 383rd Anti Aircraft Battalion and received 3 Bronze stars and several medals. After his return from service, he married his soul mate, Majil Highfield in Cumberland, Ky. and moved to Big Stone Gap in 1952 where they have resided since. Charlie was saved and baptized under the ministry of Rev. U. L. Graham at West End Baptist Church and attended faithfully for the past 30 years. Charlie was employed with Bristol Herald Courier as District Manager for 22 years and tried several other venues but music was his love from an early age. He was a member of the Big Stone Gap Fire Department for several years until injury prevented participation. In the beginning years of the “Trail of the Lonesome Pine” drama, he played guitar and danced the “flatfoot” during the homecoming scene. He has performed in several regional bands, gospel, bluegrass and country and written numerous songs. In 1964 Maggard Sound Studio was started in a small room with a 2 track recorder. From a hobby to a business , the studio flourished and grew and is still going strong today. Hundreds of #1 Gospel songs and albums, Grammy nominations and wins and lifelong friends were made in this small town recording studio. Charlie was a most honorable man with integrity, character, and a witty personality. He was a songwriter, a musician, a loving husband, an amazing father and “Papaw,” and a loyal friend. Charlie was preceded in death by: father, Charlie Maggard, mother, Maggie Wells Maggard, brother, Clifton Maggard, sister, Laura Lee Maggard Sturgill, sister, Lorraine Maggard Collette, and grandson, Charles “Freddie” Luntsford, step fathers, Harm C. Frazier and Tom Lawson. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Majil Highfield Maggard; children, Lois Maggard Swain (James), Carolyn Maggard Ketchersid (Dallas), Alan Maggard (Diana); grandchildren, Darren Caruso, Michelle Luntsford, Shanna Maggard Barber (Jason), Brandon Maggard (Ashton); great grandchildren, Chelsea Caruso, Kaylin Barber, Alyssa Barber, Laken Barber, Kylie Maggard, and Alex Caruso; brother, Robert “Buddy” Maggard (Rose) of Oakdale ,LA; sister, Betty Maggard Melton (Joe) of St. Petersburg, FL; brother-in-law Jack Sturgill of Lexington, KY; sister-in-law, Flossie Maggard of Brunswick, OH. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 10th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm at the East Stone Gap United Methodist Church (3926 East Stone Gap Rd, East Stone Gap, VA 24246). The funeral service will follow at 7pm Friday in the church worship center with Dr. Roy Smith and Dr. Ken Sprinkle officiating. A military graveside service, with local DAV and VFW posts and the Virginia National Guard Honors team will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The precession will begin at East Stone Methodist Church at 10:30am on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The pallbearers will be Maggard Sound studio musicians and friends. On-line registry and condolences may be forwarded to www.holdingfuneralhome.com. Holding Funeral Home is honored to serve the Maggard family.