Charles Russell “Charlie” Widener, 61, of Thaxton, VA went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. He was born on Thursday, April 7, 1960 in Roanoke, VA. Charlie loved watching Nascar on Sundays with his grandson, Caleb. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed playing poker and rummy 500 with his sisters, step-daughters, niece and nephews. Charlie was always a fun soul to be around, making you laugh on your worst days. He was definitely one of a kind and always helping others when in fact he needed help himself. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Cleo Griffith Widener; two brothers, Jerry and Von Widener; sister, Marie Underwood; granddaughter, Winter Darnell; and step-granddaughter, Sophia Long. He is survived by a daughter, Virginia Martin (Joe); two step-daughters, Tammy and Amy Long all of Montvale; two step-sons, Bud Long (April) of Thaxton, Jerry Long (Courtney) of Hardy; nine grandchildren, Savannah, Caleb, Jaylynn, Miracle, Duane (Danielle), Devin (Erika), Chevy, Lilli, Tyler; one great-grandchild, Madilyn; two sisters, Helen Hackett of Thaxton, Brenda Bell (Peewee) of Montvale, and many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends. Charlie spent a lot of time with a very special friend, Jarrett Caldwell; making each other laugh and talking crazy nonsense. Charlie spent a lot of time teaching Jarrett a thing or two about cars and other things he needed to know in life. Jarrett looked up to Charlie more than he ever knew. As Jarrett would say, “he is like a father to me, he’s my best friend.” A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Roger McKinney officiating. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.