Dr. Charles Harmon (Charlie) Boggs, Jr., 94, of Roanoke, VA passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Brandon Oaks Nursing Center in Roanoke.

Dr. Boggs was born on July 4, 1923 in Washington, D.C., to Beulah and Charles H. Boggs, Sr.  He grew up in Franklin, WV but spent his high school years in Morgantown, WV.

Dr. Boggs was a graduate of West Virginia University, taking a gap in his education to serve his country during WWII.  He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for two and a half years in the Pacific and was awarded three military ribbons.  After the war, he resumed his studies at WVU's School of Medicine.  Dr. Boggs and his two uncles, both dermatologists, represented the oldest family legacy of the medical school, a story which was featured on the school's website.

Dr. Boggs completed his surgical training at the Northwestern University School of Medicine.  In addition to his M.D., Dr. Boggs earned a Masters in Surgical Research and was awarded the Allan A. Kanavel Fellowship in Surgery from 1954 to 1956.

Dr. Boggs was a general surgeon at the V.A. Medical Center in Salem, Virginia from 1956 until retiring in 1991, and was also Director of the Tumor Registry.  Additionally, he was an Assistant Professor of Surgery with the University of Virginia School of Medicine for twenty years and enjoyed training numerous surgical residents.

Dr. Boggs' deep and abiding faith sustained him throughout his life.  His vibrant personality, legendary memory and compassionate spirit will be greatly missed.  He had a wonderful enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of many topics including history, geography, family genealogy and sports.  An avid golfer and skier, he read voraciously and enjoyed painting watercolors later in life.  Most of all, he loved people and treasured spending time with his family and many dear friends.

Dr. Boggs engaged his love of history as a member of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.  He served as President and Program Chairman of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter from 1993-1994, State Surgeon from 2003-2004, and Chairman of Historic Sites and Observances for the State of Virginia from 1994-2004.  He also served on two national committees.  In addition, Dr. Boggs was a member of the Pendleton County Historical Society and the Brigadier General James Boggs Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Another passion of his was Alaska.  After retirement from the V.A. Hospital, Dr. Boggs became a VIM (Volunteer in Mission) at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, AK.  He served a total of six months over various summers.  Later he enjoyed sharing trips to The Great Land with his family.

Dr. Boggs is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Betsy) Freund and husband David of Salem, son Brian Boggs of Salem, grandson Harrison Freund of New York City, former wife Audrey Boggs of Salem, several nephews, a niece and many cousins.   In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brother William Boggs, sister Charlotte Allen, two nephews and a niece.

A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the Franklin Presbyterian Church in Franklin, WV with Pastor Jerry Smith officiating.

The family will receive guests at the church one hour before the service.

Following will be a graveside service at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the Franklin Presbyterian Church, 3512 Blue Gray Trail, Franklin, WV  26807, the Pendleton County Historical Society, P. O. Box 293, Franklin, WV  26807 or a charity of your choice.