Charles Ray Utley Sr.

Charles Ray Utley, a member of the Tybee Island community, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026.

Born on August 10, 1936 in Portal, Georgia, Charles lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love. He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. Utley and Cleo Bloodworth Utley as well as his first wife, Patrcia Ann Oglesby Utley.

Charles joined the United States Marines when he was seventeen years old and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1961 and then attended Savannah Vocational School to complete his high school education. He worked for companies such as Dixie Crystals and Columbia Nitrogen, purchased land and farmed and worked for trucking companies.

Later in life, Chuck purchased a trawler boat. He spent 5 years traveling on that boat, even making it all the way to Cuba. He ended his voyages at Tybee Island in 2012.

Shortly after arriving on Tybee Island, Chuck became a member of Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church. During a Sunday service the pastor announced that Charles Utley had joined the congregation. Linda heard the name and thought to herself, “There couldn’t possibly be two Charles Utleys.”

After the service, Linda introduced herself to Chuck, and they realized that they had known each other years before. From that day forward, Chuck and Linda became inseparable, rekindling a friendship that would blossom into a lasting and cherished love and marriage.

Chuck is survived by Linda Cox, his wife of 13 years; his children, Belinda Peebles (Jimmy) and Charles Ray Utley Jr.; two granddaughters, Mary Margaret (Tommy) and Ann Grace Peebles; and one sister, Gwen Utley Carter. He is also survived by Linda’s sons and their wives and children. They are Brig (Kathy) Tison, Andy (Jina) Tison and Ben (Lauren) Tison. He has several grandchildren, Brig Jr., Sloan, and Sidney, Knox and Boone, and Kole, Carver and Orion. He also has great grandchildren, Turner and Bowie.

He will be buried at All Saints Episcopal Church on Tybee Island, a church that he adored.

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