Final Salute

Charles Campbell Findlay, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on December 7, 2025. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and family man whose life was guided by a deep and abiding Christian faith. That faith sustained him throughout his life and brought comfort to all who knew him. Family, friends, former students, and colleagues will miss him dearly, but they are comforted knowing he now rests in his eternal home of peace.

Charles was a kind, generous, and thoughtful man known for his courage, integrity, and many talents. In his youth, he was a skilled baseball pitcher and demonstrated both discipline and strength by joining the military while attending The University of Alabama. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy Seabee Unit and the United States Marines during the Vietnam era. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Alabama.

A lifelong outdoorsman, lover of nature and animals, Charles was an Eagle Scout and maintained a deep connection to the land, farming his property throughout his life. He dedicated many years to public service as a respected science and technical trades teacher in junior high and high school programs within the Tuscaloosa City and County school systems. He concluded his distinguished career with the Alabama Department of Education, where he oversaw high school technical trade programs across a large region of Alabama, leaving a lasting impact on students and educators alike.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Frances Caldwell Findlay, Tuscaloosa, AL; his four children, James Charles Findlay (Diane), Foley, AL, Steven David Findlay, Ooltewah, TN, Lillian Jeannette Findlay, Tuscaloosa, AL and Susan Patterson Findlay (Sean), West Palm Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Katelyn Whitfield (Clayton), Birmingham, AL, Kelly Findlay (Kaitlyn), Birmingham, AL, and Amberly Findlay, Tuscaloosa, AL; and two great-grandchildren, Bradley and Julie Findlay, children of Kelly and Kaitlyn Findlay, Birmingham, AL.

A visitation will be held at Forest Lake United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Dr. Kevin Thomas and Reverend Belinda Rives, followed by a reception at noon. A burial service will take place later that day at 3:00 p.m. at Carthage Presbyterian Church in Moundville, Alabama. Honorary pallbearers are Charles’s adult children and grandchildren, Samuel Bo Fields, William Julius Allen, Jake Thornell, Hon. Steve Wilson, Scott Caldwell, Dr. Riggs Wagenheim, Caldwell Wagenheim, Paula and Myles Marques, Chris and Danette Haynes.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Forest Lake United Methodist Church, Carthage Presbyterian Cemetery Association P.O. Box 27 Moundville, AL 35474, Disabled American Veterans, Alabama Forestry Association, Scouting America-Black Warrior Council of Tuscaloosa (formerly Boy Scouts of America).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles C. Findlay, please visit our floral store.