Charles Ewing Clement of Valle Crucis, NC 
August 4, 1939 - June 15, 2023

Charles Ewing Clement, adoring husband, dad and Papa, as well as distinguished lawyer and dedicated community advocate, passed away peacefully on June 15.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Carolyn Howell Clement; his two daughters and their husbands, Mason & Eric Heistand and Catherine & John Tumminello; his beloved grandchildren, Clement, Haines, Anna Brooks, and Tessa; as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born in 1939 and raised in Raleigh, NC, Charlie’s interest in the legal field began during his early years as a Page to the North Carolina Senate. This experience paved the way for his remarkable journey in the legal profession. Charlie was a proud graduate of Broughton High School (’57), The University of North Carolina (’61… Go Heels!), and Wake Forest University School of Law (’64), after which he was licensed by the North Carolina State Bar, embarking on a career that would span six decades. His lifelong passion for the law and unwavering commitment to public service left an indelible mark on the state of North Carolina.

Charlie led one of the most esteemed law firms in western North Carolina. His exceptional legal guidance and tireless dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and clients. Charlie always had time for his clients, no matter their station in life. Charlie was able to accomplish so much at work in large part because of Judy Hollers, who worked faithfully by his side for 40 years. She kept the threads of his life from unraveling and patiently endured his demands and instruction. She was also his most trusted confidante and dear friend.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charlie maintained a lifelong commitment to his community, the environment, and the arts. Many such organizations benefitted from his generously given time and expertise. He was proud of his years as Chair of the Appalachian State School of Music Advisory Board, during which he secured the Mariam Cannon Hayes Endowment. As a Governor-appointed trustee with the NC Natural Heritage Trust Board, he was passionate about preserving the natural beauty of the state. He enjoyed time spent on stage with Blue Ridge Community Theater, he often launched into impromptu Music Man performances.

Despite many accolades in public life, Charlie’s greatest joy was his family. The love of his life was his wife of 53 years, Carolyn. Oh how he adored her! He loved holding her hand and singing to her, even recording an album of love songs for their 40th Anniversary. He was the best “girl dad”. He loved taking his girls to Carolina basketball games, teaching them how to sing harmony along with James Taylor and the Drifters, and giving them lessons on the US Constitution, despite their eye rolls. His grandchildren became his biggest delight. He faithfully participated in morning carpool, singing “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “Froggie Went a-Courtin’” along the way. His granddaughters loved crawling up in his lap, and the youngest was blessed with his curls. He prioritized biannual Ewing Family Reunions and loved reminiscing about childhood summers spent in Canton, Mississippi. He idolized his oldest brother, Ed, and tried to live and love just like him. He was a loyal friend whose relationships spanned from his childhood in Five Points to monthly lunches on King Street.

Charlie was unafraid to ask hard questions and was always open to learn from others. He had a deep faith because of this and spent his last days overwhelmed by the love and grace he experienced in Jesus Christ. His morning routine of Bible study over the phone with his friend, Tony Lutkus, shaped his faith and deepened his hunger to study God’s Word. He was a beloved member of Christ the King Anglican Fellowship in Boone.

Charles Ewing Clement's legacy will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Sue Clement, and his big brothers, Andrew Lee Clement and James Edwin Clement.

Source of Obituary: Hampton Funeral Service, Boone, NC