Charles Ernie Salter

Charles Ernie Salter met his Heavenly Father on January 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family at the age of 85.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earney Hampton Salter; mother, Birdie Lee Salter; and great-grandson, Brooks R. Salter.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 66 years, Mary Mills Salter; his oldest son, Charles Wayne and wife, Donetta, and their children, Michael, Madison (Matthew), Emma and her two children, Brayden and Braylee; Elijah, Trinity and Sophia; his second son, Bryan Hampton and wife, Terri, and their children, Bryce (Kenlee), and their son, Carson; Ashlynn Faith and her son, Charles Roman; and Brandon. Charles is also survived by his one sibling, Janice Wiggins (Ken) and her family.

Charles was a lifelong and faithful member of the Arapahoe Free Will Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was also a founding member of the Arapahoe Volunteer Fire Department. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict, and also served on the USS Hornet, which was the primary recovery ship for the Apollo 11 Recovery Operation of the first lunar landing.

Charles was a mechanic by trade, and retired from Cherry Point as a supervisor.

He was known for his hard work ethic and dependability, and his love of deer hunting and NASCAR racing. He loved to be outside working in the yard or his shop. He also loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7th at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ricky Miller officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service until 1:00 p.m.