Charles Lee Elingburg

Charles Lee Elingburg, 77, of Arden, passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. Born on May 23, 1941, and a native of Buncombe County, Charles was the son of the late Raymond and Mary Ann Gregory Elingburg. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Anne Morgan and Shannon Capps and brother, Carroll Elingburg. Surviving family members are his wife, Mary Ruth Stepp Elingburg; daughter, Lisa (Brian) Seaborn of Easley, SC; grandson, Christopher; granddaughter, Jenna (Evan); great-granddaughters, Lilly Kate and Adeleigh; sister, Shelia; brothers, Ray, Earl, Tommy and Rick (Jan) and many wonderful nieces and nephews. We also recognize a wonderful family friend, Ben Medford, who was Charles’s “right hand" man over the past 15 years. Charles was a 1959 graduate of Valley Springs High School. In his early employment years, he worked in the chemical sales industry as well as owning several gas service stations. He also worked for the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department and for the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as an inspector. He was an early member of Skyland Fire Department as a volunteer fireman. Charles had a small engine repair service and was a “wheeler/dealer” in vehicles and landscaping equipment. Charles’s most recent employer was United Laboratories for 13 years in Industrial Chemical Sales, where he achieved numerous Top 5 awards as a leading sales associate nationwide for many years. Charles played baseball and basketball at Valley Springs High School and was a team member who won the North Carolina State Basketball Championship in 1958. He enjoyed following UNC basketball, Clemson football and Atlanta Braves baseball. The funeral service will be held at Fletcher First Baptist Church on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2019 at 2:30 pm. with Pastor Roy Waldroup officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:30. A private family burial will be in New Salem Cemetery in Skyland. The family appreciates the concerns, visits and support from Charles’s many friends and neighbors during his hospitalization as well as those celebrating his life at the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fletcher First Baptist Church or to Skyland United Methodist Church. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.