Charles "Chuck" Ellington Thorne, Jr.

Charles “Chuck” Ellington Thorne, Jr., age 60, passed away at home on Monday, September 20, 2021. Born in Nash County, NC on September 4, 1961, he was the son of the late Charles E. Thorne, Sr. and Lois Johnson Thorne.

Chuck graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1979 and later graduated from East Carolina University in 1984 with a degree in Education. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi. Chuck was full of life and character, affectionately known as ‘Captain Cocktail’ to many. He had a wide and varied circle of friends. Chuck never met a stranger and would welcome all into his friendship. He loved laughing with his family and friends and spending time anywhere warm. Chuck worked alongside his dad for more than 35 years at Cargocare Transportation Co., Inc. in Rocky Mount. This 80+ year old family-owned and operated trucking company was the gold standard for regional trucking companies hauling tobacco.

Chuck leaves behind to cherish his memory, his partner of 31 years, Jeff Smith of Nashville; his sisters, Terri Darby of Zebulon, Susan Tanner and her husband, Jimmy, of Rocky Mount, and Cathy Sutton of Red Oak; his nephews, Charlie Cook, Alex Darby, and Michael Sutton, Jr.; and his niece, Elizabeth Cook.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams and Chaplain Neil Smith officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum. A visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM prior to the service at the church.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is requesting the need for social distancing and wearing of masks due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.