Charles William Northington

Charles William Northington was born July 18, 1920 in Cuba, Alabama to parents William and Lois (Roy) Northington. He passed away peacefully December 15, 2018 in Plano, Texas.

Charles was married to the love of his life,Susie Ray, for over 71 years. He lived through the Great Depression and the Second World War. He grew up in the Deep South in the County of Autauga. It was in Autauga that he met Susie Ray on a blind date that he described as a “ mistake .” As his real date was Susie Ray’s sister. However , Susie Ray ended up stealing Charles ‘ heart. The rest of their long life together Susie Ray was Florence Nightingale and Charles was General Patton.

Charles obtained a Masters Degree in Sanitary Engineering from the University of North Carolina. Charles obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University. War Eagle!!!

Charles obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from North Texas State University. He also became a Commercial Real Estate broker in Texas and was a Professional Engineer.

Charles worked three careers finally retiring at the age of 85. He was the Director of the Lake Erie pollution study while working with the Public Health Service. This assignment drew much media and political attention having written his analysis: Is Lake Erie Dying. Charles was later assigned to the Division of Air Pollution in Washington DC.

Once in Texas, Charles worked with both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He held responsibilities in Presidential Declared Disasters which were often classified and required top security clearance.

Charles described his third career as his “last gig” and became a Commercial Real Estate broker where he sold property in Collin County.

Throughout the many careers , Charles volunteered with the City of Plano Horizon Committee analyzing zoning issues. He served as Collin County Democratic Chairperson.

Charles’ greatest loves were his wife Susie Ray, his three children, his five grandchildren and his fourteen great grandchildren. He loved each fiercely.

Charles always gave credit to his love Susie Ray who he said always came to his rescue. The two enjoyed their large families , traveling in their motor home , growing their gardens, making every sporting and dancing event of each grandchild and celebrating the birth of fourteen great-grandchildren.

The words that best describe Charles are: fiercely loving and loyal to both his family and Country, high intellect, powerful personality , dignified and determined.

Charles lived his life exemplifying the Basic Commandments. Mark 12:30-31. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than this.

Charles’s family wants to express deep appreciation to Aspen Home Health and Hospice, Mom’s Home Health Care, Caring Senior Services and Restoring Hope Caregiver Services and his physicians Dr. Thomas Waller and Dr. Shane Ashford.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Susie Ray Bishop Northington; children Suzan Thornberg and her husband Guy, Charles W. Northington, Jr. and his wife Nancy (Ibarra), Teresa Blaisdell and her husband Richard; grandchildren, Zachary Blaisdell, Angie Chism and her husband Jake, Colby Blaisdell and his wife Cheryl, Katie Herbold and her husband Jacob, and Danielle Bradley and her husband Lt. Col. John Bradley.

The family will receive friends for a visitation Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 5-7:00 P.M. at Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano, Texas. A funeral service to celebrate Charles’ life will be held Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Hunter’s Glen Baptist Church, 4001 Custer Road, Plano, Texas 75023 with Reverend Ron Killough and Reverend Richard Blaisdell officiating.