Dr. Charles Vincent Ashworth, Jr.

Dr. Charles Vincent Ashworth, Jr., loving husband, and father of four, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at age 89.

Charles was born in Moundsville, West Virginia on December 5, 1933, the youngest son of the late Charles Ashworth, Sr. and Thelma Johnson Ashworth. A graduate of West Virginia University, he chose to dedicate his life to the care of others and went on to serve his country as a reserve doctor and 1st Lt. in the U.S. Air Force. His service brought him to many locations across the country, which is how he came to work in Richmond Memorial Hospital and met the love of his life, Nancy. A nurse and fellow altruist, they forged a relationship that endured for over 60 years. 

After over 30 years, Charles retired from practicing medicine as a family physician in Lynchburg. Never failing to put his patients first, he would often accept firewood or vegetables from his patients’ garden in lieu of pay to ensure they each received essential care. A man of action, Charles frequently made house calls at odd hours to neighbors in need. He was even able to save his eldest son’s life with his quick thinking and medical prowess after an anaphylactic emergency.

A casual observer might believe Charles was restless, but in fact he was driven to be productive. Full of energy, he spent his life on the golf course, taking long walks with his beloved dogs, jumping in the car for frequent trips to the beach, and dancing the jitterbug with Nancy. He possessed a strong work ethic, active nature, and a love of the outdoors, which he instilled in his children, and by extension, his grandchildren.

The union between Charles and Nancy would also spark his devout relationship with the Catholic Church, in which he found faith and community for the rest of his life. He was a parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, participated in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., and was a dedicated member of the church choir. His love for singing the gospel extended into his final days, when he expressed a wish to sing in the Heavenly Choir. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Kate Melancon (Wayne) of Lynchburg, John Ashworth of Charlottesville, David Ashworth of Richmond, and Donna Ashworth of Bonita Springs, FL; his seven grandchildren: Field, Ian, Madelyne, Addison, Reece, Larson, and Reagan; one great-grandchild: Floyd Ashworth Case; one sister Margaret “Maggie” Hissam of Ohio, two brothers, Robert Ashworth (Sharon) of Sugarland, TX, and David Ashworth (Scotty) of Lexington, as well as cherished friends at Holy Cross. 

A Funeral Mass for Charles will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 23, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Fr. Sal Anonuevo as celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.   

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.