SUFFOLK — Charles Howard Brothers Sr., 78, passed away Aug. 9, 2013, in Norfolk.

Born in Petersburg, he was the son of the late Catherine and Henry Brothers. Charlie was a descendant of John Brothers, who received a land grant from the King of England in 1694, which is still in the Brothers family.

Charlie was a member of Whaleyville United Methodist Church and a member of the choir. He was a former chairman of Whaleyville United Methodist Church Board of Trustees and was a past president of Whaleyville Corp. Charlie was also very active in the Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a past chief.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Carolyn B. Brothers; his son, Charles H. Brothers Jr. and wife, Wanda, of Gates, N.C.; grandson, Richie Brothers, of Gates, N.C.; sister, Betty B. Painter and husband, Bob; four brothers, Henry C. Brothers and wife, Emma, N.B. Brothers and wife, Judy, Ben L. Brothers and wife, Tanya, Thomas E. Brothers and wife, Kay; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Whaleyville United Methodist Church, 6312 Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23438 by the Rev. Jack McServey and the Rev. Burt Pearce, with burial in the church cemetery with fireman honors. The family will receive friends in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434 Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 8037, Suffolk, VA 23438. Condolences may be registered a www.rwbakerfh.com.