Charles Lee Currence

Charles "Charlie" Lee Currence, 79, was born in Millcreek, WV on August 6, 1944 to Ford and Ellen Senkbeil Currence. He was one of 13 children: Robert, Clara, Luther, Lily, Jean, William (survives), Angelia, Virginia (survives), John, Margaret, Roger, and Charlotte (survives). They frequently moved around with their father, who was an art and math teacher.



Charlie was drafted into the Army in 1965 and fought in the Vietnam War until 1967. While enlisted, he served as a field medic and held the rank of PFC E-4 upon his discharge. Being a veteran provided Charlie with a sense of immense pride. He went on to become a dignified life member of the VFW Post 1860 located in Front Royal.

Eventually settling in Virginia, he met and married Jo Ann Ryder, who survives. Charlie recounted her as the prettiest girl he had ever seen and was so very happy, if not surprised, that she agreed to go on a date with him. Their love spanned decades and brought about two beautiful surviving children, Michelle Lynn Morrison (Cecil Smoot) and Charles "Mark" Currence (Carrie Anne Currence). Charlie welcomed four grandchildren Casey Lee Morrison, Daniel Andrew Currence, who precedes his death, Emily Elizabeth Morrison, and Thomas Ryan Currence, all of whom affectionately call him "Pappy". He doted on the four grandchildren and enjoyed riding them around on different tractors while they visited his farm in Flint Hill. Charlie was again blessed with the addition of two pretty little girls as great-grandchildren, Abigail Mae and Avery Nicole Morrison.

Charlie was a manager of the Aileen plant in Flint Hill, where he oversaw daily plant operations and as many as 500 employees. His family resided in the home adjacent to the plant where many fond memories were made. They spent time gardening, fishing, and eventually farming animals with the start of one calf named Sunshine. Charlie part-time farmed and when the Aileen plant closed its doors in 1992, he moved his family back to Winchester, to the new home he originally purchased in 1969.

He started working for Green Bay Packaging, Inc. as a machinist in 1994. Charlie retired from Green Bay in 2010. However, the love of farming was in his bones and post-retirement he began farming full-time. He found joy in farming and often lost track of time planting, herding, or making hay. His life was full of stories, experiences, and love, but most importantly family which he truly cherished until his last breath on February 6, 2024.

The family will greet friends at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal on February 16, 1:00-2:00 PM, a service will follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will be in Panorama Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.maddoxfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are being handled by Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal.