Charles Lee Hargis, beloved husband and faithful father.
“Whether we live or die, it must be for God, rather than for ourselves. Whether we live or die, it must be for the Lord. This is because Christ died and rose to life, so that he would be Lord of the dead and of the living.” Romans 14:7-9
Charles was born in Johnson City, Tennessee.
He was an accomplished clarinetist in high school, and drum major in the band. In Boy Scouts, he reached the level of Eagle Scout. He continued to play clarinet at Davidson College in the orchestra and gave solo concerts.
He graduated from Davidson College, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1962, where he was the recipient of the Greek prize. In 1966, he graduated from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA with a Bachelor of Divinity. In 1967, he earned a Masters of Theology degree at Princeton Theological Seminary.
He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. November 5, 1967.
From 1967-1969, he served his first pastorate at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, VA. On August 31, 1968, he married Beth, his wife of 45 years.
Charles taught high school mathematics in Richmond, VA from 1969-1970, before entering graduate school. He graduated from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA, with a Ph.D. in Theology in 1974. Charles served three other pastorates in VA: Brett Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church (West Point) and St. James Church (King William) from 1973-1976 and Squires Memorial Presbyterian Church (Norfolk) from 1976-1978.
From 1978-2004, Charles served on the faculty of Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, PA, first as an associate, then as a full professor, where he taught Christian Theology, Christian Ethics, Greek Language, and Exegesis (critical interpretation of the Scriptures). He honorably retired in 2004. He then served as a supply pastor at Fincastle Presbyterian Church.
Learning and studying were very much a part of his life and he was a gifted teacher. He spent countless hours in libraries doing research. Charles was an avid and voracious reader. He loved languages, because he was fascinated by words and linguistics.
Through example, he taught his family the beauty of music, especially classical and choral music. Other interests included the collection of and fascination with timepieces. He got a kick out of collecting flashlights, and always had multiple ones in every room.
Most of all, he loved his family and devoted himself to providing for them. He is survived by his wife, Beth, a daughter, Michele, son-in-law, David Albright; grandchildren, Christopher and Beth; and son, Mark Hargis.
In accordance with his wishes, a private family service will be held.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26
Dear Beth, Mark, & Michelle:
May our Lord Jesus uphold, draw you closer to Himself, and comfort each of you during this time of loss. The photos and obituary were much appreciated as a way to pay tribute to such a remarkable person. We will cherish our Thanksgiving memories as well.
with our heartfelt sympathy,
Matt, Laura, Zeb, & Ethan
Michelle and Dave, We can’t begin to express our loss for your family. From reading his obituary you can tell he was a worldly and Godly man. Besides his education he had a greater role as husband and father. Also his love for our Lord Jesus Christ looks like a never ending love. Right now Cheryl is in Belize on a mission trip but I know she offers all her love and prays for you. Also know that I’ll be thinking of you and your family and offering up my thoughts and
prayers. Surrounded you with God’s love.
Cousin Brenda called this morning with the news of Charles’ passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Grandpa Reid, my parents, and I have the utmost respect for Charles and the life of service that he lived so well. I so admire Beth and Mark for the loving support they provided during the past three or four years.
Should any of you find yourself in my area (St. George, Ut), my door is always open.
God Bless,
Gene
Dear Beth – my heartfelt prayers of support go to you and your family. It is with sadness that we received the news of Charlie’s passing. He was a respected professor and colleague at Moravian Theological Seminary and we celebrate his life and the many lives he helped to shape. Christ’s peace, Jane Weber
Dr Hargis was one of my favorite professors. I remember how kind he was to my mother when she came up north to visit me. He was such a kind soul who used his intellect in the service of Christ.
Dear Beth, Mark, Michele, Dave, Chris and Beth Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We know that God is holding you in His tender care during this difficult time.
Beth and family,
I was very shocked and saddened to learn of the death of my good friend and colleague, Charles. We started teaching at Moravian together, our children grew up together, and we traveled together–both geographically and spiritually. The world and the church have lost a great and wise pastor and teacher. You as a family have lost a wonderful husband and father. I will remain in prayer for you in this time of loss and I will seek to reach you in person if possible.
To Beth and the family – we pray that the Lord will grant you strength and understanding in these difficult days. We remember with thanks and gratitude the 26 years that Charles taught at the Seminary. He was a valued colleague and a careful and thoughtful teacher. He helped to shape the lives and faith of generations of students and for this they are thankful.
I thank God for the privilege of learning from Charlie – a professor who taught so much more than theology, Greek and exegesis. He taught us how to live with integrity, stand up to injustice, preach prophetically, and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in ways that could change the world. Thank you for sharing him with so many students at Moravian Theological Seminary – he shaped my life – and many others – and the ripples of his influence continue to change the world today. Peace and resurrection hope at this time of grief.
To all of the Hargis family I extend my heartfelt condolences. I was a student at Moravian Theological Seminary and count it a privilege to have studied with Dr. Hargis as one of my teachers and mentors. He had a remarkably brilliant mind, and a kind and compassionate soul. I called him a walking talking bibliography because he could not only quote all of the great theologians in class but easily give chapter and page numbers as well. May the peace of the Lord be with all of you.
What to say? The correct words escape me, but Charlie always had the correct words to say. He was a beloved professor/advisor of mine. I was blessed to have experienced his teaching and even more blessed to have gained valuable insight from his advice. I am deeply saddened to have learned of his passing, but Charlie has certainly fought the good fight. Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband and father with us. You are all in my heart and prayers as you transition through this difficult process of life.
Charles Hargis was one of my favorite professors at MTS. He taught not only in lecture, but in his personal interaction with students. He was wise, humble and deeply caring. I will never forget how kind he was to me and I learned so much from him. To his family, I extend heartfelt sympathy.
Lane Sapp
I was a student at MTS in the years that Charles taught there. It was a joy and privilege to study under his direction, his prayers taught me about who he was in his relationships with The Lord. His lectures helped me grow as a Christian and theologian. His contributions were welcome and filled with grace. My deepest sympathies and prayers.
Charles was an engaging professor and mentor. He was a joy to work with and an inspiration in my ministry. I thank God for his life. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Beth, Mark, & Michelle,
We’re all thinking of you at this time. May you feel blessed by all your memories of Charles & be at peace soon. Love, Rhonda, Marty, Emma, & Brock
Rev. Dr. Charles L. Hargis …. a rare individual who touched one’s life in an inspiring way. Charles was a profound intellectual; always the teacher, ready to share his knowledge; a contemplative interesting man. Charles, you certainly “left your mark” in THIS life! You discovered your God given talents and used them wisely. WE will cherish and miss your beautiful, poetic prayers of thanksgiving before sharing special family meals. Thank you Charles (Beth & Mark) for family time together. How blessed & richer our lives for just having known such a kind, gentle, humble, intelligent man. Beth, Mark, Michele, Dave, Christopher and Beth Ann … extending our deepest sympathy. May you find comfort in your Christian faith & precious memories of a life well lived.
Lovingly, Brenda and Dan Shiley
Beth & family,
Please know that you are in our prayers. Charlie was a special person and had a way of making us feel sincerely loved and cared for. We will miss his kind smile and gentle voice. We hope that with time, your loving memories of him will bring you comfort.
I remember Charles in high school – handsome, talented, smart, and so very nice to his friend Thomas’ little sister! Charles’ mother Velvia and my mother were very close friends, so I knew Charles and his family as I was growing up. I still have many beautiful letters from his mother to me, and would like his family to have them. Let me know if you’d like me to send them. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry to hear of Charles’ passing. Know our prayers are with all of you at this time. His love for you was so reflected in your lives. Peace.
Dear Beth … My deepest condolences to you and your family. My heart aches for you in your loss. What a gifted person Charles was who heard God’s call and responded with the fullness of his being. What a legacy, to have beautifully inspired so many lives. His spirit will certainly remain with you forever. May you find strength in the God’s grace and the love family and friends. Blessings my friend.
My Dearest Aunt Beth,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all! We love you all!
My Dearest Sister,
I was so sorry to hear of Charles death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You know I am here if you need me. I love you very much and will be thinking of you often. May God’s peace surround you and give you the comfort that only He can give.
Much Love from your Sister.
Wanda
Dear Aunt Beth,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss. We love you.
Bryan and Family
May the beautiful memories of your loved one provide solace and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. May you also find much comfort in God’s promise of life without end on a Paradise earth. Matt 5:5 & Psalms 37:11, 29