Charles Hailey Obituary

HAILEY, Charles "Chuck", raced cars, built houses, and didn't take any wooden nickels. He was a mountain of a man, a heck of a father, the mentor everyone needs, and the husband every woman deserves.



On June 26th, 2022, his spirit "took off like a shot" into the next life as soon as his daughter opened his bedroom door. She opened the door and out he flew, racing into heaven. He was surrounded by those he loved in his home in North Chesterfield, Virginia.



Charles Allen Hailey was born April 14th, 1942, in Richmond, Virginia to Walter Watson Hailey (deceased) and Mattie Townsend Hailey (deceased). He was the younger brother of Walter Eugene Hailey (deceased). In his early childhood, Charles lived with his Uncle Bernard Miller Hailey (deceased), and his Aunt Inez (deceased) in Victoria, Virginia. These were the fondest years of his childhood.



Charles graduated from Thomas Dale High School, went to work at a local service station, and became an apprentice millwright for DuPont. In the early 1970s, he found racing, sales, and the love of his life, Nan. Chuck became "Chipper Chuck" of Chipper Chuck's Used Cars and Trucks, and racing took a backseat to building houses and a family.



With the help of his beloved mentor, Latney Jenkins, Chuck became a licensed real estate broker. Chuck's thirst for knowledge was unending. He was a self-taught draftsman, contractor, developer, note holder, and builder.



As a personality, they don't get any bigger than Chuck. He would vacuum bugs when they got into the house. He had a farmer's tan from propping his elbow on the windowsill of his F-150 while sipping Pepsi from his Big Gulp. And he did a bad job of hiding Snickers bars under his jump seat. A true renaissance man, Chuck could do anything -- except eat his vegetables. If you asked him how he was doing, he'd say "fair to middling," and he cried every time he heard the National Anthem.



As a father, Chuck was thorough. He reminded his girls not to "cool the outside" or leave wet towels on the floor. Boyfriends were made to ring the doorbell because "you don't honk for a Hailey." And if you had someplace to be, Chuck would make sure to check your oil in the driveway after you already needed to be there. It was his way of spending more time with his girls.



Chuck believed you shouldn't get too high or too low, you should respect your elders, and that you need to lead, follow, or get out of the way. He taught countless others the same. Chuck was a father to many beyond his immediate family. He prided himself on the accomplishments of those he mentored, just as his mentors Bernard and Latney did for him.



He overcame many challenges that made him strong and tough, yet he always kept his heart soft and open. A friend and defender to anyone struggling, Chuck always rooted for the underdog. He believed in second chances and exhibited mercy. He became a bridge from the insanity of his beginnings to the sanity of the life he created for those he loved.



Chuck mentored children at Evergreen Elementary and coached his daughters' sports teams regardless of his lack of personal experience in said sport. He was recognized by the Virginia Real Estate Board for his 54 years as a licensed broker. A dedicated member of the St. Mark's United Methodist Church family, Chuck helped build the sanctuary where his service will be held.



This "cool customer" was fiercely loyal. He led by example, with compassion, integrity, respect, hard work, and persistence. He loved dancing, Elvis, fast cars, Moon Pies, God, and a great laugh. His hugs were as strong as his heart was soft.



Charles Allen Hailey was the embodiment of the man people refer to when they say, "they don't make 'em like that anymore." He is precisely what this world needs more of and what heaven must have been craving.

Charles thrived alongside his wife of 49 years, Karen Nan Gardner Hailey, and his three daughters: Lyndsay Hailey; Kara Walsh (husband Timothy Ryan, children Hailey Mae, Townsend Sawyer, Tyson Gardner, and Ruby Louise); Kim Marble (husband Jeff, children Grace and Scott); his extended family, those he mentored, and countless friends. Through them, his spirit lives.



To those who knew him, it isn't a wonder that Charles became a builder, as he built a home for all who crossed his path. Keep mentoring us, Charles "Chipper Chuck/Poppy/Racing Thunder" Hailey. We love you so very much.



Services will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church at 3:00 pm on July 6th, 2022, with a reception to follow at American Legion Post 354. In lieu of remembrances, donations can be made in Chuck's honor to the St. Mark's United Methodist Church Youth Program or Promedica Hospice.