Charles Lindbergh Whelchel

Charles Lindbergh Whelchel, 89, of Dahlonega passed away March 9th of 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.  With the passing of Lindbergh Whelchel, the Dahlonega area has lost one of its most colorful residents.  Lindbergh possessed the most extraordinary gift of storytelling talking for hours about lifetime recollections.  Many people have remarked that he should have been on television as he could hold folks spellbound for hours telling historical as well as comical tales.  In telling his stories, he would always add his own little turns and twists intermixed with his southern charm that would leave his audience of two or three or many reveling in being so entertained. 

Born in Lumpkin County in 1927, Lindbergh spent his adult life as a resident of Dahlonega. He loved his little town and it's people with a passion.  That love spanned from early days when Dahlonega was a little gold mining town to present times when Dahlonega, nestled in her North Georgia mountains, is today a favorite destination of tourists and historians alike.

The most important loves of Lindbergh's life were his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty Whitmire Whelchel, and his precious daughter Linda Jean Whelchel who preceded him in death in 2015.  The three of them were a family dedicated to each other every day of their lives together.  Through the years, they welcomed many guests into their home and once you visited with them, you were drawn in and came back again and again to experience their love and hospitality.  It was common knowledge that if you visited them, three things were going to happen:  you were going to be entertained, you were going to be fed delicious food, and above all else, you were going to receive a wonderful dose of Christian Love.  Without fail, you would leave their home with a smile on your face and laughter in your heart.

Lindbergh is survived by Betty, his beloved wife of 62 years, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Whelchel was preceded in death by his daughter Linda, his parents Howard and Bertie Whelchel, his sisters Mrs. Elda Kemp, Mrs. Grace Poore, Mrs. Beatrice Hale, Mrs. Ruby Stowers, and brothers Mr. Loye Whelchel, Mr. Johnny Whelchel, and Mr. Ed Whelchel.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday the 11th of March at 2:00 p.m. at Dahlonega Funeral Home on Highway 60 in Dahlonega, Georgia.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11:00 am until service time.  Officiating will be Rev. Bobby Whitmire and Rev. Lyman Caldwell.  Graveside services are to follow at Dahlonega Memorial Park Cemetery.  

Mrs. Whelchel would like to express gratitude to Jimmy and Sandy Kemp, Frank Tralies, Jimmy and Kay Kemp, Jay and April Kemp, and Dr. Benny Erwin for their love and dedication to her and to Lindbergh.  And a sincere thank you to all the caregivers who have given of their time and energies to Lindbergh's care including Chelsey Park of Dahlonega.  She extends special love and appreciation to Judy Bacon who has been an angel in their home.                               .

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Etowah Church or to Northeast Georgia Hospice 2150 Limestone Pkwy Gainesville, GA 30501. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com

Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683)