Charles Saye

Mr. Charles "Charlie" Saye of Cartersville passed away on May 3, 2022.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Saye; parents, Claude Saye and Jessie Saye; a sister, Betty Saye Parker; and a son-in-law, Chris Rooks.

Survivors include his daughter, Liz Rooks; grandchildren, Kevin Rooks, Kristen Gentry (Jake), and Kyle Rooks (Kendyll); great grandchildren, Kylie, Abel and Khloe Gentry, and Paislee, Lainey, and Chandler Rooks; nieces, Donna Underwood, Sandra Davis, and Jackie Fisher; as well as several nieces and nephews.

At 102 years of age, Charlie was part of "The Greatest Generation" who grew up during the Great Depression. He attended high school at Marist College in Atlanta, Georgia before joining the National Guard in 1939. He entered the Army in 1940 and served during World War II. During World War II, Charlie served in both the European and Pacific campaigns. He had many stories to tell about his experiences during the war and the many parts of the world he traveled to including France, North Africa, the Panama Canal, and the Philippine Islands. He was a great American and took great pride in his military service. He received an honorable discharge in 1948.

He married Katherine Hudson in 1951 and began working for General Motors until he retired in 1983. Always a hard worker, Charlie then worked at Lockheed Martin until his final retirement in 1989. He was a Master Mason for over 50 years.

Charlie had numerous hobbies which included creating decorative wrought iron pieces and metal sculptures. He was an amateur astronomer and enjoyed watching the moon and the stars. He loved music, especially from the big band era, and was a good dancer. He was always prepared to perform magic and card tricks. He was a great storyteller and had a really good sense of humor. He loved peanut butter and a cold Heineken. He read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper daily for decades. He loved sports and was an avid Braves fan. He especially loved football, stating that watching the Georgia Bulldogs beat Alabama to win the 2022 National Championship was a highlight of his lifetime. He was good with money and always willing to donate to charity. He had a sweet smile and was a true gentleman. His lessons were taught by the example of how he lived his life. He credited his long life to not worrying and trusting in God to take care of all things.

Charlie was married to his wife, Katherine, for nearly 50 years until her passing in May 2000. Together they had one daughter, three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father, and family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family and truly enjoyed his grandchildren, especially their sporting events. He loved his family and his family loved him.

As his daughter, I always knew he loved me to the moon and back; he told me, and he showed me. He always knew what to say and do to make me feel better. He was a true hero, my hero. Now he's gone and I miss his sweet face. But I am comforted to know he is in heaven, reunited with my mother, and he has received a rich welcome.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Jennings Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.