Don Allen Charles transitioned from his earthly life to his heavenly home the morning of Monday, March 16, 2026, at his childhood home in Bristol, Virginia. He was born January 19, 1942, to the late Casel Archie and Dottie Clattie Smith Charles. He attended Douglass High School in Bristol, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Intermont College with a bachelor's degree in business administration. While attending VI College, he was an on-campus DJ, playing jazz music; worked as a hotel elevator attendant; and he sold cars before joining Eastman Kodak, (before the name changed to Eastman Chemical). Don was a proud veteran of the Armed Services, having served in the Army during the Korean War. In fact, I'm told, he was given the nickname "Virginia One Lover" from his earliest job. Everyone who knew him also knew that he was a true Tennessee Vols fan. He sported the colors often and dedicated a section of his yard in their honor. There were two other loves in his life beside his mother, his wife and children; and that was his dark blue Ford Torino and his light blue Cadillac. Growing up, he attended Harris Chapel AME Zion Church, later known as Harris-Anderson AME Zion Church. He continued his membership even after relocating to Chantilly Virginia, in the late 1980's. There, he joined the Fairfax County Public School System where he worked until his retirement. He was highly respected and loved in the elementary school where he worked, as well as by area administrators. Don was considered a Bristol Historian by many people. There really wasn't much he didn't know about Bristol and the people. Once you asked a question or said a name, he would tell you more than you really wanted to know, most of the time. He always enjoyed contributing to the Black Heritage programs at Harris-Anderson with more information than we could use.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Anita Lundy Charles; one sister, Sylvia Charles; three brothers, Casel A, Charles Jr., Craig Michael Charles, and Michael Lane Charles; and one grandson, Tyree' King.
Don leaves to celebrate his life, children: James Eric Monroe, Chad Allen Charles, Michelle Lania Charles, and Anitra Tamu Daggs-Hurd (Allen). In addition, after the death of his brothers Casel and Craig, he took on the role of father to Castella Charles-Phillips (Patrick) and Renae' Charles-Howard (George) and an involved uncle for Dennis Charles (Cristina), Adria Charles, and Jamal Charles; honorary daughter, Caroline Heath; and honorary son, Charles Lyons. Don and Ann were blessed with 16 grandchildren: Nina Campbell (Mohammed), Jasmine Bernard, Jamila Bernard, Jalicia Bernard, Jessica Madison (Charles), Darren Charles, Don A. Charles II, Asia Charles, Casel Charles, Christian Moore, Kody Bonds, Cheyenne Bonds, Anisia Daggs, Quentyn Daggs, Jeremiah Daggs, and Dontae Daggs; 19 Great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Martin Kane, Sr., and Jonathan Kane; two sisters-in-law, Kathleen "Penny" Walker, and Ella Pearson Kane; 15 nieces and 13 nephews; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Recognition is also given to our neighbors and friends in Chantilly, Virginia, especially the Cumberbatch, Logan, and San Martin Veizaga families. We have enjoyed many years of friendship with them.