Charles H. Autry

Charles Hester Autry, 81, went to his Heavenly home in the late morning of Thursday, August 31, 2023 peacefully while sleeping at home, with his loving wife by his side.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Hester Autry and Nellie A. Autry, and sister, Louise Autry Bullard.

Charles was born and raised in Stedman, NC to loving, Christian parents.  It was there that he met and married Ann Collier Autry.  They started their family in Stedman before moving to Pamlico County for him to work as an instructor of mechanics at Pamlico Industrial Education Center in Alliance, NC, and Pamlico County became home.

Charles was a long-time member of Bayboro Baptist Church for well over 50 years, a past deacon, past teacher and mentor to many.  He loved playing his guitar (self-taught) and hearing old hymns sung.

Charles had an amazing work ethic.  His experiences included NC Clerk of Superior Court (from which he retired), NC Magistrate, Small Claims Court Judge, Jailer & Dispatcher for Pamlico County Sheriff’s Department.  He owned & operated Autry’s Garage in Alliance, worked for Paul Farms as a mechanic, and taught mechanics at Pamlico Technical Institute (now Pamlico Community College).  He held many certifications and licenses, and most will always remember him as the best of the best Master Mechanic. He was also a member of Pamlico County Rescue Squad for many years.

Charles loved his Lord and Savior, his family, many friends, and being at home in his shop.  He had numerous hobbies, including restoring tractors, rebuilding engines, gardening, and spending time sharing his tremendous knowledge and wisdom.  Most of all he loved the days he could spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Although Charles had many struggles in his last few years, he was determined to keep doing and sharing.  He is now free from those struggles and able to walk pain free for eternity.  He will be missed beyond measure, because that is how he loved others.

He leaves behind to cherish memories, his wife of 63 years Ann Collier Autry; 2 children, Howard Autry (Gail), Melanie A. Curtis (Steve), 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  He much loved his 7 grandchildren, Kelli Wayne (Aaron), Jackson Autry (Stephanie), Jena Autry, Cheyenne Striefler (Martin), Brooks Curtis (Amanda), Stefanie Hill (Chad), and Jay Curtis.  He adored his 8 great-grandchildren, Madison and Hayleigh Wayne, Wyatt and Savannah Autry, Riley Curtis, Andrew, Mya and Keyan Hill.  He is also survived by his sisters Melba Autry Gibson and Linda Autry Beacham (and husband Ronnie), and brother-in-law Doug Bullard (Louise), as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A private service to honor Charles will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pamlico County Rescue Squad, 911 Grace Daniels Rd, PO Box 302 Bayboro, NC 28515.