Charles Buddy Respass

Heaven gained an Angel today. Charles Buddy Respass passed away at his home on July 16, 2020 after blessing us with almost 82 years of his life.He was a proud American born in Newport News, Va. 1938. All services are private. At the age of 16, he was a proud sailor serving in the US Navy before eventually getting caught for being underage, where he returned to graduate high school from Hampton Va. When he turned of age, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1957 and achieved his proudest moment as a firefighter by saving a young boy's life. Today, Charles Respass is wrapped in the American Flag for his service. After being honorably discharged, he couldn’t stay far from the military that he loved and respected so much and started working as a shipbuilder in Newport News, Va. The discipline and responsibility that he learned in the military and the critical contributions that he made in Newport News, prepared him well for his exemplary career in the US Government. Buddy served in ever-increasing positions of responsibility within the areas of operations and management under the administrations of President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. He also served in executive positions within the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State where for many years he served under a direct appointment of the President within the office of the Asst Undersecretary for Management. Nonetheless, as proud as he was of his work achievements, he was most proud of his family. His wife Clara was his inspiration, his heart, and the love of his life. Together, they created a family that today is proof of their love. They gave their family a purpose, taught them respect and faith, but most importantly, taught them to love unconditionally. His children and grandchildren have memories filled with his jokes, trips to Walmart every year to buy school supplies, his famous salads and sub sandwiches, and his ice cream sundaes. He taught them how to live life with humor and to be humble. He taught us all how to dance. Buddy is survived by his loving wife, Clara, his children: Lynne (John) Dale City, Va, Mike (Mary Jane), Lancaster, SC, Dee Ann (Gus) Marin, CA, David (Jill), Austin, TX and Michelle, Fredericksburg, VA. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren, his heart filled with love and laughter: Jennifer, Amanda, Jenelle, Jessica, Nicole, Stephanie, Sophie, Adam, Alan, Haley, Samantha, Luke, Buddy, Rebecca, Jacob. His love continues with his great grandchildren Josh, Nathan, Lyla, James, and Baby Mike. His three sisters that he adored and loved so much, Thelma, Sheila & Shirley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Respass and Thelma Clarke James. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Lancaster & The Piedmont Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home of Great Falls, SC is caring for the family of Mr. Charles Buddy Respass. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.dantzlerbakerfuneralhome.com