Charles Alpheus Ratteray

Charles Ratteray of Columbus, Ohio passed away on Mar 20, 2019. His loved ones are composing his obituary, which you will be able to read here.Charles Alpheus Ratteray transitioned to his heavenly home at the age of 89, on March 20, 2019. Charles, affectionately known as “Charlie,” “Uncs,” and “Pa” was born to E. Rhodes and Annis Ratteray on February 8, 1930 in Pembroke, Bermuda. As a child, Charles attended Gospel Hall Brethren Church in Bermuda. He was a student at Berkeley Institute, and worked in the family ship-building business. Prior to becoming a master craftsman, he worked as an apprentice with the U.S. Navy on the loading docks in Bermuda. Charles spent many years as a carpenter, working in the mill, along with his brothers at Burland, Conyers, and Marirea; where he was employed for many years before relocating to the United States. If it was wood - Charles could build it! He also found joy in making furniture for his home and family members, and he always carved his initials, “CAR” on everything he created. Charles wed the love of his life, Shirley C. Stovell on November 9, 1972. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage. In the spring of 1978, Charles moved his wife and daughter to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked at 5th Ave. Lumber company until the business downsized. He then commuted between Columbus and Bermuda, where he returned to work at his former employer, Burland, Conyers, and Marirea until he retired in the mid-eighties. Charles loved to travel, especially on cruises; and was a member of the Donald Smith Travel Agency. He always collected matchbooks wherever he went. He loved to explore the culture of the community and to see anything new, or repeated. He enjoyed gathering trinkets and informational pamphlets while at local fairs and festivals, caringly gifting them to his grandchildren. He always presented the grandkids with rare denominations of money, such as Susan B. Anthony dollars or $2 bills, and they would always look forward to it. He often reminisced about his childhood - running through the hills of Devonshire, swimming, diving off the rocks, fishing, and sailing. He was an avid sportsman, playing soccer and cricket. He and his wife, whom he lovingly called “Shirl,” loved attending the county games. Charles was also a member of the Blue Water Angler’s fishing club, where he loved to deep-sea fish, which always concluded with a large fish-fry. In his later years, he took pride in carving and displaying a collection of wooden, miniature animals. He was known for various phrases; such as, “Beat’s me,” “Don’t make me laugh,” “Whatever,” and “GEESH.” During Thanksgiving, the grandkids enjoyed hearing ‘Pa’ give thanks by saying, “I count my blessings one-by-one, I thank the Lord for all He’s done.” Charles was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sandra; and sons: Vance, and Keith Wainwright. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Shirley; sons: Charles, Jr., and Reginald Wainwright; daughters: Vadora (Brandon) Doars; Marisa; Paulette (Arthur) Simons; Shona (Cyril) Nicol; and Suzette (Virgil) Rhea; one sister: Thelma Francis; sisters-in-law, Reba Ratteray, and June Watkins, brother-in-law Macdonald (Janice) Stovell and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Charles will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.