Charles James Gifford, 79, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on August 13, 2026. He was born on October 2, 1946, to Mary and Roy Gifford and grew up in Akron, Ohio.

While in Kent, Ohio, Charles met the love of his life, Patricia. The two were married in 1969. Their marriage marked the beginning of a life together that would span 56 years and be filled with family, friendship, travel, and a deep devotion to one another.

Following his military service in the Air Force, Charles worked as a service engineer for IBM and Kodak. He retired from that career in the late 1990s but was never one to remain idle. He continued working as a handyman and painter, using his skills to help others with projects large and small. In 2008, he retired fully and moved with Patricia to Apex, North Carolina.

Charles was a kind and caring man whose greatest joy came from the people in his life. He enjoyed spending time with friends, golfing, playing cards, and watching football, but above all else, he treasured his family. He was an incredibly devoted husband, father, and especially grandfather. His family knew that they could always count on him to be there whenever he was needed.

Charles and Patricia loved traveling together. Over the years, they traveled throughout the country, often visiting family and friends and seeking out warm, sunny destinations. They especially enjoyed spending time at the beach. Whether traveling or simply spending time together at home, their companionship and devotion to one another remained at the center of Charles’s life.

Patricia passed away on August 12, 2025, just one year and one day before Charles. After 56 years of marriage, she remained the love of his life.

Charles is survived by his two sons, Brian Gifford and his wife, Elizabeth Gifford, and Scott Gifford and his wife, Alecia Septer; his three grandchildren, Austin Gifford, Zachary Gifford, and Tessa Septer-Gifford; his brother, Roy Gifford and his wife, Suellen, of Big Rapids, Michigan; and his sister, Mary Ann Schaffer and her husband, Joe, of Prescott, Arizona.

Charles will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to help others, and, most of all, the unwavering love and devotion he showed his family throughout his life. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he was someone others could depend on, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.