Charles Elmer Shafer

Charles Elmer Shafer, 94, of Stonewood, WV, passed peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility. Born on October 3, 1931, in Lilburn, GA, the oldest of twelve children, he was the beloved son of the late Henry and Ruby Johnson Shafer.

Charles lived a full and dedicated life. A proud graduate of Gwinnett County High School, he went on to honor his country by serving in the United States Army. Skilled with his hands and gifted with a natural talent, he built a lifelong career as a self-employed carpenter, crafting work that reflected his patience, precision, and pride.

Charles cherished the simple joys that made his life rich—boating on peaceful waters, singing in the choir, and gliding across the floor as a ballroom dancer. His faith was the foundation of his life. A devoted Christian Baptist, he loved his church deeply and was an active member of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Johns Creek, GA.  Known for his sense of humor and warm spirit, he was fond of ending conversations with a warm smile and was always fond of eating ice cream.  Charles volunteered as a baseball Coach to the Boys Youth League at Lilburn Lions Club and served as Assistant Mayor of The City of Lilburn GA 1970-1971.  He was also a Member of the Sweetwater Masonic Lodge #421 and Eastern Star in Lilburn, GA. Member of the Yaarab Shriner's Club Atlanta GA.

Charles leaves behind his long-time companion of 18 years, DeEtta Starkey Dutchess, with whom he made his home from Georgia to West Virginia and was lovingly adopted by the Starkey family;  his children: David Shafer and spouse Cindy of Savannah, GA; Grace Wagner and spouse Jon of Asheville, NC; and Gerald Shafer of Summerville, GA; as well as twelve grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Thomas Shafer and wife Jenell of Lilburn, GA, Mark Shafer and wife Peggy, of Winder, GA, Ray Shafer of Sugar Hill, GA, Nancy Shafer Williams and husband T.H. of Madison, GA, Rose Shafer Rogers, of Watkinsville, GA, and Irene Shafer of Buford, GA; daughters-in-law, Janice Shafer of Loganville, GA and Nancy Tumlin Shafer of Lawrenceville, GA; Susie Meadows (Shafer) Burnette of Summersville GA, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Charles was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Edna Staughton Shafer who passed away in 2006: two sons, Charles Shafer Jr. and Robert Shafer; siblings, Harry Shafer, Brock Shafer, and JoAnn Shafer; one daughter-in-law, Suzanne Gambino Shafer.

Charles wishes for cremation will be honored and he will be interred at West Virginia National Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Harrison County Honor Guard.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember a man whose kindness and deep faith and how his love touched everyone he met during his 94 years of life.

Online condolences can be made at DavisFuneralHomeWV.com. Davis Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shafer Family. 

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