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Charles W. Fields Greensboro, NC QCWA # 14228 Chapter 126 |
Obituary from: http://www.news-record.com/obituaries/fields-charles-weldon/article_1608a6e2-61d0-552b-a219-8a6d3de203ec.html
C. WELDON FIELDS, SR
GREENSBORO CHARLES WELDON Fields Sr, entered into his eternal reward on May 6th, 2015 at Clapp's Nursing Center. The Memorial Service will be held at Alamance Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 9th, 2015 at 11:00 AM with Rev Joel Long officiating. Weldon was born in Greensboro, NC on June 8, 1914.
He served his country in the Civil Air Patrol during WWII, as a radio operator at Coastal Patrol Bases 16 and 21. For this service, he received the Congressional Gold Medal.
He continued to serve as an active amateur radio operator (W4AJT) for eighty-five years. For his faithful work with emergency communications Weldon was awarded North Carolina's Order of the Longleaf Pine, our state's highest civilian honor.
Weldon loved teaching Sunday school even in his 100th year.
He and his wife Mickey helped establish the Bender Worship Center on Badin Lake, and together they led the music there for over fifty years. He was preceded in death by his wife Lily "Mickey" McLees, and his sisters, Mozelle Leftwich, and Mayzelle Turner Ammons. He is survived by his son Charles W. "Buddy" Fields (Peggy), his daughter Charlanne Tippett (Bill), grandsons; Charles W. "Chad" Fields (Laurie) and Christian Rathvon Herring (Andrea), and his great-grandchildren; Pierson Kimbro Fields, Christin Lilyana Fields and Carter Rathvon Herring.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Alamance Presbyterian Church and following the service.
The Fields family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the caring staff at both Wesley Long Hospital and Clapp's Nursing Center.
Memorials may be made to Alamance Presbyterian Church, 4000 Presbyterian Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406, or to the Salvation Army, PO Box 241808, Charlotte, NC 28224.
Online condolences may be made at forbisanddick.com.
From: "ARRL Members Only Web site"
Subject: Charles W. ("Weldon") Fields, Sr, W4AJT (SK) of Greensboro, NC
To: raef@lexcominc.net
Date: Thu, 7 May 2015 16:02:36 -0400 (EDT)
It is with deep regret that we are informing you of the passing of Charles W. ("Weldon") Fields, Sr, W4AJT (SK) of Greensboro. Please join us by extending your thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Weldon W4AJT (SK).
Weldon W4AJT (SK) was the oldest known Ham in North Carolina and the longest licensed amateur radio operator in our State having received his license in 1930. Weldon W4AJT (SK) made many contributions to our Country, our State, and to amateur radio during his lifetime. He was a founding father of the Tar Heel Emergency Net in 1947, which continues operations to this day. In September of 2011, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine was bestowed upon Weldon W4AJT (SK). The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina and it is presented to outstanding North Carolinians with a proven record of service to the State or other special achievement. In 2014, Weldon W4AJT was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal -- the highest civilian honor -- for his service to the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. Since he was unable to attend the ceremony in Washington, DC, it was awarded to him in Greensboro last January.
Based on advance information, the funeral is scheduled for Saturday May 9th at the Alamance Presbyterian Church, 4000 Presbyterian Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406, located just off Alamance Church Road. There will be Visitation at the church at 10:00 AM and a Worship Service at 11:00 AM. The family has requested that the Hams be seated together. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
As with all advance funeral information, please read and check the obituary details online (Forbis and Dick Funeral Service) or in the newspaper.
Karl Bowman, W4CHX
ARRL NC Section Manager
Bill Morine, N2COP
ARRL Vice Director Roanoke Division
Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ
ARRL Director Roanoke Division
From qrz.com
Continuously licensed since June 1930. Life member of QCWA Chapter 126.
On Saturday, April 7, 2012, Weldon was awarded North Carolina's prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Gov. Bev Perdue. This award recognizes individuals who have a record of extraordinary service to their state. Weldon was honored for his long history in ham radio, particularly the formation and operation of the Tar Heel Emergency Net, which has operated continuously for 65 years in numerous emergency situations, such as hurricanes and other natural disasters. At age 98, Weldon continues to operate as an Official Emergency Station with the ARRL, and in May 2010 led a 2-hour hurricane exercise drill in conjunction with N.C. Emergency Management. The award was presented at 2012 Raleigh Amateur Radio Society's annual "RARSFest."
