Charles Henry Barlow, Jr.

Charles Henry Barlow Jr. departed this life on January 19, 2021. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Ta’Ni Valentine, Brother Ronald “Butch” Barlow and Sister Shirley Ann Lowery.

He was born on August 7, 1940, in Roanoke Virginia, to the late Nona Ruth Barlow and Charles Henry Barlow Sr.

He attended Jefferson High School until the school was closed and students were sent to the new Lucy Addison High School. After graduating in 1960 he joined the United States Army in where he served 4 years. After his military service in 1963 he began working at General Electric in 1965 were he worked as a wireman and later became a Supervisor until his retirement in 1994.

Charles accepted Christ to be his Personal Savior at an early age and became a member of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Charles was a boy scout in Troop No. 110 and sang on the Men’s chorus.

Charles met his first wife of 16 years Patricia King and from this union was born two children Donna and Treva.

Later in life he met his second wife of 27 years Julia Hairston.

Charles became a member of F.A.A.Y. Masons Prince Hall Origin National Compact in 1966 and served in many roles. They include: Worshipful Master of Rising Sun Lodge No. 146, Grand Master for the state of Virginia for six years, National Recorder of F.A.AY, Grand High Priest for the Royal Arch state of Virginia, Lecturer for St. Johns Grand Lodge, Potentate for the Shriners, President of the Council of Deliberation and a member of The National Council of Nine of the Thirty-third and last degree.

Charles was also an avid Bowler. He bowled for many years with the Silhouette League and served as the league’s secretary. He looked forward to competing in the State and National Tournaments each year. He was a big fan of the Los Angeles Raiders, New York Yankees and Alabama. “Roll Tide”

He is survived by his wife Julia Barlow, two daughters Donna (Gilbert) Jones of Roanoke, VA and Treva Barlow of Salem, VA. Three step children Cotena Valentine and Ernest Valentine both of Martinsville, VA and Nyree (Lafonza) Koger of Laura Park, Martinsville. Three sisters Mary B. Jones, Margaret Woodliff and Frances (Thomas) Adams all of Roanoke, Va. Two brothers Clinton D. Barlow and Jerome Barlow both of Roanoke, VA. Three Sister- In – Laws: Lula Bratton, Roanoke, Elaine (Jerry) Crawley, Sue Nunley both of Bassett, Virginia, Five grandchildren, eight step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.