Charles Russell “Monk” Farinholt

Charles R. “Monk” Farinholt passed away on September 13, 2015 at age 92 with loving family by his side. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Anna Skeeter Farinholt. Surviving are his sister, Mildred F. Dixon, of Springmoor in Raleigh; his daughter, Joan F. Thompson of Raleigh; his son, Philip Russell Farinholt and wife Cheryl, of Wilmington; grandsons Jacob A. Thompson and wife Amanda, and Joseph L. Thompson and wife Sarah, all of Raleigh; a granddaughter, Natalie A. Farinholt and her husband Yuri Kolesnikov, of Fuquay-Varina; also sister-in-law, Betty Stierhoff of Cary and her loving family. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, and found special joy in later years in visits from his great-grandchildren Rebecca and Jewitt, daughters of Jacob and Amanda, and Edward and John, sons of Jody and Sarah. Born February 24, 1923 to Casper Roane Farinholt and Gay Lyon Farinholt in Elizabeth City County, VA., Monk soon moved to Newport News where his father worked at Newport News Shipbuilding. He earned the nickname “Monk” because he was small and quiet in school. At age 16, he graduated at the top of his class from Morrison High School and was accepted in the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School to study drafting. In June 1944 Monk went to join the Navy as he was already familiar with ships, but was recruited to serve in the Marines. He was sent to Paris Island and Camp Lejeune for Infantry training before being sent to the Solomon Islands near Guadalcanal. There he joined the First Marine Division’s F-2-1 infantry 30 caliber machine gun platoon aboard Troopship USS Burleigh, and they invaded Okinawa on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, one of World War II’s toughest battles in the Pacific. After Japan’s surrender, the First Marine Division was sent to oversee surrender of the Japanese occupying North China. Monk earned the rank of Corporal and returned home in August of 1946. Recently, he was privileged to go on a Flight of Honor to Washington DC with fellow World War II vets. Upon return to Newport News Monk finished apprentice school, and was introduced by his sister Millie to the love of his life, Anna Belle Skeeter. They married November 22, 1947 and moved to Raleigh to attend NC State University, where Monk graduated in 1952 with high honors in Industrial Engineering. Morris & Associates hired him to work part-time during college, and he stayed for over 50 years working with his partner and friend, William F. Morris, Jr. Monk was also a member of their Board of Directors and served as Treasurer and Vice President. The most important part of Monk’s life was his belief in Jesus Christ. He lived his life as a kind, patient, loving Christian, and was a faithful servant and witness at Edenton Street United Methodist Church for over 60 years. Some of his dearest friends were from Sunday school, first from the Cokesbury-Isley class and later the Foundry Fellowship Class. Through the years he served Edenton Street UMC on the Board of Stewards, Staff-Parish Committee, as an usher, Sunday School President and Vice President, and various other positions. Always a caring and generous man, Monk also served with the Raleigh Civitan Club where he was Club President, Civitan of the Year, and Civitan International Foundation Fellow. He supported many clubs and charities such Boy Scouts, Tammy Lynn Center, and Special Olympics. An avid fan of NCSU, Monk attended both football and basketball games. He and Mr. Wuf are pictured working out together advertising Rex Health Care in the NCSU basketball program. Despite heart problems for many years and later cancer, he worked out faithfully at the Rex Wellness Center. Monk was fortunate to have wonderful neighbors who helped and supported each other through the years. He was adopted grandfather to neighborhood children. A special thanks to Dot, the wonderful caregiver who graciously helped both Monk and Skeeter in later years; and the staff of Community Home Care and Hospice, particularly Vicki, Judy, Nancy and Lawanda who offered excellent care and attention during his final months with cancer. A memorial service will be Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 11:00am in the Sanctuary of Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 W. Edenton Street. The family will greet guests in Kerr Hall immediately following the service. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home at 831Wake Forest Road, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Edenton Street UMC Organ Fund, 228 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603; Community Home Care and Hospice, 7714 Chapel Hill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607, or Tammy Lynn Center 739 Chappell Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606-3299.