Charles Gilbert Bushrod, Sr.

Charles Gilbert Bushrod was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on July 2, 1953, to his parents, the late Samuel and Hyacin Bushrod. He was the fourth born of six brothers, Samuel “Pryor” (Linda, deceased), Earl “Dennis” (Renee), John (Darlene), Cornelius (deceased) and Robert “Pooh” (Marcella).

Charles, lovingly known as “Gill”, grew up in Westmoreland County, Virginia with his parents and siblings, in a close and loving family. His parents taught him life skills and instilled in him a love of the outdoors – something that defined his character and that he carried with him throughout his life. Charles enjoyed following his father, a carpenter and plumber, around the house and to work sites to learn the trades of building and construction. He loved to go hunting for deer, rabbit, and squirrels with his father and learned how to build flower gardens with his mother. Charles wholly enjoyed life in the Virginia countryside; he loved all of the seasons and appreciated what gifts the land brought to him at various times in the year.

At the age of 17, Charles accepted a custodial job at the Dahlgren Naval Base, where he worked for the next 50 years. It was here that he met Gail and began a friendship-turned-romantic relationship that, in 1986, led to a 38-year marriage and the upbringing of several children and grandchildren. In the very early days, Charles shyly agreed to cut Gail’s grass at her house, then they started having lunch together, became good friends, then fell in love. Gail loved that Charles was kind, gentle, respectful, and calm – her polar opposite that seemed to fit with her. He taught her how to garden; she taught him how to cook. He taught her (a native New-Yorker) how to slow down and relax and enjoy the country life; she taught him how to travel (they did, often) and enjoy experiencing new things. 

Home, however, was always Charles’ favorite place to be, with God and family. Gail and Charles raised their sons: Charles Jr. “Rabbit” (Jamie), Norman (Sara), Corey (Lea), Joseph (India). The boys grew up respecting Charles as a kind but effective disciplinarian. He “walked softly but carried a big stick” – he had compassion, but he wanted his boys to learn how to be men and how to do things the “right way.” The family were inseparable when the boys were young, with Charles being involved in each of their lives equally, and Charles and Gail worked to provide them with all of the things they did not have while growing up. When the boys left home, they each married, blessing Charles and Gail with twelve grandchildren: Dante, Marcus, Ajanae, Isiah, Ji’Quell “JiJi”, Taylor, Kya, Jason, William, Nicole, Monte, Hunter; and two great-grandchildren: Israel and Jasmine. Additionally, Charles leaves to mourn a host of nieces and nephews.

Charles was a man of deep faith. He was dedicated to his home church, Macedonia Baptist Church, where he was baptized and where he spent over 30 years as a Trustee. He attended faithfully into his late years, drawing strength from his attendance, learning lessons that made him selfless and kind, and relying on the Sunday sermons to carry him through the week. He loved the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, men whose faith in God was so profound they were able to survive being burned alive in a furnace by order of the king; when they emerged unharmed, the king then declared that the nation would worship the Lord. Charles had this kind of faith.

His faith was with him until he drew his last breath on the evening of September 16, 2024, full of love, rich with memories, and surrounded by loved ones.