Charles E. Fish, 91, of Cross Lanes, was released from his earthly bonds on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, after battling a series of physical illnesses.

Born in Albany, Ohio to Stephen L. & Elizabeth L. Fish on January 14, 1925, he and his family later moved to Dunbar where he was a member of Dunbar United Methodist Church, and played basketball and football for Dunbar High School. He served in the U.S. Navy as a radio operator during WWII, and was a member of the Admirals Flag; an elite group of sailors assigned to an Admiral's entourage, where he served on three Aircraft Carriers; the USS Boxer, the USS Randolph, and the USS Yorktown.

After the war Charles worked for Fidelity & Casualty Insurance Co., and then later with Union Carbide. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in 1965 from Morris Harvey College he went on to teach math for the Kanawha County School system from which he retired. He taught at Spring Hill Jr. High, Nitro Jr. High, and South Charleston High Schools, where he also coached boys and girls tennis and basketball teams.
In his retirement he enjoyed repairing antique cars, home improvement projects, dining out, and before his health prevented it, he sang as a member of the Kanawha Kordsmen. Charles was an accomplished carpenter, mason, and all-around do-it-yourselfer. He was pragmatic, frugal, honest, hardworking, down-to-earth, and reliable - he had no vices.

His wife of 53 years, Jean, preceded him in death by eight years. Both of them were animal lovers, and they took in and cared for numerous stray cats and dogs throughout their life. Also preceding him was his sister, Mary, who was married to Ray Morrison of S. Charleston.

He is survived by his son, Stephen C., and daughter-in-law, Barbara A. Fish, grandson, Alexander C. Fish, step-grandchildren, Allison and Michael Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 29, at Dunbar United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Okey Harless officiating. Entombment in Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens will immediately follow.

A viewing will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St., Charleston, WV 25311.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar