Charles D. "Charlie" Fleetwood

MILTON – Charles D. “Charlie” Fleetwood passed away peacefully at home, with his wife Barbara by his side, on Monday, May 2, 2022, from complications due to Corticobasal Brain Degeneration; a rare brain degenerative disease related to Parkinson’s. Charlie was born and raised in Wilmington and was son of the late Charles N. and Frances Mae (Parsons) Fleetwood. He met his wife, Barbara Sanders, on a blind date in February 1969 and then married in October. They spent nearly 53 years together lovingly supporting each other, their co-workers, their community and beyond. Their bond was a testimony. Where you saw one of them, you almost always saw them both. Charlie worked for many years in the home improvement sales industry at Masten’s Lumber, American Cedar, Sears, and most recently, Lowe’s in Millsboro, where he retired in 2017 due to health reasons. He loved his co-workers and enjoyed assisting customers no matter the store. Charlie loved the Town of Milton and devoted his time and energy, for over 38 years, to making the town a better place. He was instrumental in numerous programs and amenities that we enjoy today, most notably the Concerts in the Park summer series, the towns 200th Anniversary Celebration, Holly Festival, fundraising efforts and obtaining funding for the footbridge, Governors Walk and the John Milton Statue; as well as the establishment of an accessible Visitors Center at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge that had formerly been a milk house. If people brought their ideas, he made it happen. Charlie was a member of Avenue UM Church, as well, his community memberships included, charter member of Friends of the Milton Public Library, charter member of the “Meatloaf Club”, Milton Chamber of Commerce where he published the Chamber Clipper, Milton Town Council on three separate appointments where he served in numerous capacities and on several committees, board member and past president of Milford Housing Corporation, Milton Main Street Program, Milton Historical Society and Milton Community Foundation. Charlie gave 100% and more to better the town for everyone to enjoy. Charlie had received many awards and accolades for his commitment to the community including; dedication of the Gazebo at Milton Park in his name, House of Representatives and Senate Tributes, Chamber Leadership, Chamber Citizen of the Year, Governors Outstanding Volunteer, Mayor and Council Appreciation, Untiring Years of Service, and Fish and Wildlife Certificate of Appreciation. Charlie was also a staunch supporter of Colonial Williamsburg and it efforts to keep history alive. He and Barbara loved their time spent in Williamsburg and supporting the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charles N. and Frances Mae (Parsons) Fleetwood; and a sister, Virginia Harris. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to their private agency caretakers and Delaware Hospice staff for the loving and supportive care they have received. They were known as “Charlie’s Angels” He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Sanders) Fleetwood; a niece, Karen Reed; two nephews, William Harris, Jr., and Michael Harris; as well as numerous cousins and extended family. A memorial service and celebration of Charlie’s life will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Milton Fire Hall, 116 Front Street, Milton, De 19968. A walk through visitation, observing social distancing, will be held from 12:00-1:00pm. As requested by the family, masks will be required upon entering the building. Casual and brightly colored clothing is welcome, just as Charlie would have liked. Pastor Tim Wilson and Bishop Grace Ruth Batten will officiate. Interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions in Charlie’s honor to: Town of Milton, Park Fund, 115 Federal Street, Milton, De 19968 or The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, PO Box 1776, Williamsburg, VA 23187. Online condolences are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com