Charles H. Comer, 1931-2004

 On Easter Sunday, Charles Comer personally experienced the Easter miracle he preached about for over 40 years. He discarded the trapping of a failing body, the limitations of this earthly existence and embraced his son, grandson, parents, and a good friend who died next to him on a forgotten battlefield in Korea.

  Although Charles did not seem the romantic type, there was one great love in his life, Irene, whom he married in 1955. Second only to Irene was the love he bore for his children: Charles, Katie, and Stephanie and their families. Charles was happiest surrounded by family.

  Other interests included watching the Atlanta Braves and Washington Redskins WIN. It wasn’t fun being with him while they were losing. He was also a voracious reader of the Bible, ancient history, and the American Civil War. Perhaps that is why I see parallels between Charles and one of his heroes, Stonewall Jackson.

  Charles’s rough bravado protected an emotional, tender heart, which endured more than its share of heartache. During the Korean War, Charles and a close friend were charging enemy positions. A shell burst on Charles’ right. He turned to see if his friend was hurt. He was gone — just gone. Charles and Irene lost their only son, Charles (Chuck), to cancer and their grandson, Charles Richard (Ricky) Hill, in a traffic accident. People whose lives were shattered and lost found in Charles a kindred spirit, someone who had lived through the fire himself and been transformed. They found in Charles an unshakable faith in the love of God and the promise of Jesus Christ.

  Charles retired in June of 1999, as pastor of Redwood United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, Va. He had served as pastor for a number of churches in the Virginia United Methodist Conference for 43 years. Upon his retirement, he and his wife moved to Danville, Va., where he served as the minister of Westover Hills UMC until the fall of 2002. He and Irene became active members of Brosville UMC where Charles taught Sunday school.

  Like Stonewall Jackson, Charles was endowed with the courage to advance in storms of bullets and shrapnel. Both saw humanity at its absolute worst and never lost hope in the power of the almighty Creator. Jackson’s legend lives today only in the pages of history. Charles’ legacy lives on in his family, the congregations he ministered to, the couples he joined in marriage, the children he baptized, the families of the loved ones he buried, and in the thousands of lives touched by Charles’ faith and love.

  When I heard of Charles’ death I remembered the final words of General Jackson in this life, "Let us cross the river, and rest under the shade of the trees."