Charles M. Wroten Jr., 84, of Hayes and Mathews, Va., entered into rest on Dec. 18, 2014.

Charles was born on Nov. 15, 1930 to Charles and Hilda Wroten. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and retired as a dredging contractor where he built his own dredge and tugboat. He dredged every state this side of the Mississippi River, frequently taking his granddaughter on trips and jobs, along with teaching his son the family business.

Charles was a fine Christian gentleman and was devoted to Spring Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was a 50-year member and past officer in the Masonic Lodge, Oriental No. 20. Charles was kind and gentle, a devoted father and grandfather. He was loved by all who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and first love, Thelma Jean Soles Wroten; his parents, Charles Sr. and Hilda Wroten, and his brother, Jessie Wroten.

He is survived by his second wife of 12 years, Mary Oliver; his beloved son, Captain Eppa Dale Wroten; a granddaughter, Amanda Dale Wroten; a grandson, James Boyd Jarvis (Julie); a great-granddaughter, Melanie Jarvis; an adopted son, Paul Gibson; two step-daughters, Dale Jenkins (James) and Fleta West (Marian); one step-son, Leroy Oliver (Mary); three sisters, Elaine Carlton, Frances King, and Virginia Majette. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Shelia Wroten-Thompson (Bobby) whom he loved very much; a sister-in-law, Rose Hudgins, and brother-in-law, Marvin Soles.

In his final days he was cared for by Little Mary and Rose, whom he called his angels. He will often be remembered for his Christmas tree, suspended from the boom of his crane and visible from James Store, which he made for his two grandchildren. Charles will be greatly missed by his friends and many loved ones.

A funeral service was conducted by Dr. Charles McDaniel and the Rev. Richard Whiteheart on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. with the funeral service at 2 o’clock in Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home in Mathews. Immediately following the funeral Masonic Rites were given. Interment followed in Spring Hill Baptist Church in Cobbs Creek, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Charles’s memory to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109 or to the Gloucester Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.