Charles Edward Taliaferro

Charles Edward Taliaferro, Jr., 79, of Oakwood, passed away at home on Wednesday surrounded by his family. He was born on August 12, 1938 in Staunton, Virginia, to the late Charles Edward and Julia Diamond Taliaferro of Churchville, Virginia. His mother died from influenza when he was a year-and-a-half old. His stepmother, Eunice Taliaferro, also preceded him in death. Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Grace Keller Taliaferro, his daughter Tevi Reed (Scott), and grandchildren: Gracie, Julia, Ella, and John Clayton. 

At age fourteen, he started working at a local airport in exchange for flight lessons. The first time he rode in an airplane, he said that he knew he wanted to become a pilot. Other than working on the farm when he was young or at his father’s company, Portsmouth Floral Company, the only job he ever had was as a pilot.  

“Chuck” attended Fork Union Military Academy and graduated in 1957 from Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia where he played football. He attended Randolph Macon College and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute’s flight school in Miami. He flew for Riddle Airlines before joining Eastern Air Lines. Captain Taliaferro retired from Eastern after 27 years of service. 

Known as the “Candy Man,” Chuck was kind, generous, loved animals, and had a fabulous sense of humor. He was a devoted Atlanta Falcons fan and season ticket holder for many years. In his heyday, he was an avid sportsman and enjoyed golf, snow and water skiing, skydiving, hunting and flying. 

The memorial service will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, April 21, at Elachee Nature Center in Gainesville, GA. Online condolences may be sent to:  www.hillsidememorialchapel.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: 

Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, 845 W Ridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30501

Or the Eastern Bronze Memorial Fund for the Eastern display at the Atlanta airport. Donations may be sent to Capt. GV Frost, REPA Treasurer. 5990 Sequoia Lane, Douglasville, GA 30135.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.