Charles Laxton Duckworth, 92, of Morganton, NC, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 14, 2025 while surrounded by his family.
Born in Burke County, N Con November 2, 1932, he was the son of the late Avery Hannon Duckworth and Grace Emma Stamey Duckworth.
Charles grew up a country boy; always talking about hoeing corn at daylight and then walking miles to school. He was a strong man, always wanting to do something. Charles was not a perfect man, but he expected near perfection from his work. He taught his daughters to work for the things they need and have.
Charles was an avid fisherman; with many trips to Sante Cooper and Holden Beach for the big haul. He loved to travel, taking many trips across the US with Phil Toney Tours and numerous family vacations. He was known for the numerous pounds of excellent barbeque that he cooked. Charles built the first tiny home 50 years ago by turning an old school bus into a functional travel home named The Green Goose.
Mr. Duckworth retired from Drexel Heritage after 36 years of service. He also worked at Grand Piano Company.
A devout Christian, he was a lifetime member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, janitor, trustee, and on the Building and Grounds Committee. Charles was a lifetime member of Ruritan National and the Chesterfield Ruritan Club. He joined Ruritan in 1970 and served as club president, vice president, and current treasurer. He received Ruritan of the Year 10 times. Charles was also instrumental in starting the Chesterfield Fire Department and served on the Burke County Fair Board.
Those left to cherish his memory include is wife of nearly 74 years, Margaret Duckworth; daughters, Dereama Duckworth and Jane Kincaid; grandchildren, Shawn Autrey (Hannah) and Jessica Marshall (David); great-grandchildren, Carson Wells, Carter Autrey, Justin Marshall, Maggie Marshall, and Hazel Marshall; two special adopted grandchildren, Tim Clark and Mary Ann Beam; a brother, Marshall Duckworth (Sandra); and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by brothers, William, Ivey, and Lewis Duckworth; sisters, Louise Mosteller, Marie Powell, Virginia Curtis, and Florence Ollis; and son-in-law, George Kincaid.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Jesse Lott and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catawba Valley Baptist Church Building Fund (catawbavalleybaptist.org/give).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Charles Laxton Duckworth.
Margaret I'm so sorry to hear of Charles passing. We were out of town when I saw the obituary. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Sherry Lail
Margaret and Family - Thinking of you.
I am thinking of your family and very sorry for your loss. Charles was a friend and neighbor for many years and I always enjoyed our conversations. Charles was a good man serving his church and the Chesterfield community. Herb Speas
What a life well lived. Uncle Charles will definitely be missed. Just know that althoughh we are not there in person, our hearts are there with you all today. Sending thoughts, love and prayers for you all. Love to all; Gary, Jamie and Pat
Praying for comfort for his family. I served with Charles on the Burke Co Fair Board for years. He was a fine man and I am glad I was able to know him. With Sympathy,
Prayers for the family, may you rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May you be comforted in the knowledge we will see him again in the Blessed Reunion with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
My heartfelt sympathy to his family I am so glad to have known Charles for a short time. He was a wonderful man
My deepest condolences to all the family. Even though I had not. Visited with him in years . I remember how kind and helpful he was. Always doing for others. I guess o first time him as a young boy when he and his lovely wife came to visit my uncle Bob and Aunt Virginia. They talked about the good old days, hoeing corn and palling to school in the snow. I just