Charles Brantley York

Sumter, SC……………. CMSGT (Ret.) Charles "Charlie" Brantley York, a proud veteran and longtime resident of Sumter, South Carolina, passed away on September 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Papa or Poppy, to his children and grandchildren; Chief, to many of his friends; Brantley, to his extended family and childhood friends, was born January 13, 1948 to James and Lessie (Weatherman) York in Mocksville, North Carolina. In 1954, he joined Oak Grove Methodist Church in Mocksville when he was 7 years old and had been a member ever since. He attended Davie County High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1966. After Vietnam, Charlie was stationed at Clark AB, Philippines where he met and married Ethel Apurillo on September 8, 1970. Charlie had been a Master Mason for over 40 years and was a member of the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. He retired in 1990 as Chief Master Sergeant after serving several years with the 9th Air Force Inspector General team at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Chief was honored for his service during his career with several commendations including Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (4 awards), and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (4 awards).

Charlie was an avid reader and loved airplanes and flying. He enjoyed telling stories of his childhood, his time in service, and his adventures with his many, many friends throughout the world, often with a twinkle in his eye and a broad sense of humor. He loved his family and friends and was always grateful for the life he had. In his own words:

"If I should leave this world tonight I want all to know I had the greatest parents a person could have had. I was raised in a home full of love with 2 siblings both of whom I loved very much. I went to a fine public school with some of the dearest classmates, some of which are still living to this day. I was given the opportunity to serve my country as a member of the USAF for almost 24 years, 15 months of which was in the country of Vietnam. I served an additional year in Korat, Thailand in support of the Vietnam War. I served with some of the finest men and women there ever was. I served almost 9 years at Clark Air Base, Philippines. I have been married for 54 years to a Filipina. I was told that it would never work because of our different nationalities. I have 2 wonderful children and 2 wonderful granddaughters. I have God that has never turned His back on me. If this isn't a full life I don't know what is and I'm very thankful for it."

Charlie is survived by his wife, Ethel; his children, Gwyn Heeter (Daryl) and Jonathan York; his grandchildren, McKenna DuBose Simeone (Zachary) and Caydin Heeter; his brother, Johnny York (Deanna); and several nieces and nephews, along with their children. Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Evona York; and his niece, Amanda Collins.

A memorial service with full military honors and Masonic rites will be held at 3:00pm, Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, in the Bullock Funeral Home chapel. The family will have a private inurnment at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, South Carolina at a later date.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, from 1:00- 3:00pm at Bullock Funeral Home.

The following quote by Stephen Grellet was a favorite of Charlie's:

"I expect to pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing that I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it; for I will not pass this way again."

Generosity was one of the many virtues of Charlie's strong character. In keeping with his selfless way of giving, the family requests that in lieu of of flowers, donations be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or a charity of one's choice.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com to sign the family's guestbook.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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