Charles Otis Loftis

Charles Otis Lofits, lovingly known as “Charlie Buck” to family and friends, passed away peacefully at Beacon Place in Greensboro, NC on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The viewing will be held on Sunday, February 1, at 2:00 pm at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville, NC, followed by the memorial service at 3:00 pm. Charles was born on May 24, 1949, in Rockingham County to Charles Lindsey Loftis and Nancy Vernon Loftis. From the very beginning, Charles was a fighter. Born prematurely and weighing only two pounds, he became the first infant in Rockingham County to be placed in an incubator for life support. Though he lived with a hearing disability his entire life, he never allowed it to hinder his success. Charles graduated from Bethany High School in 1969 and began working at the American Tobacco Company later that same year. He entered an internship through the factory, where he trained as an electrician and went on to build his career in that field. In June of 1971, Charles married Shirley Shackelford. Seven and a half years later, they welcomed their first daughter, Ann Esther Loftis, followed two years later by their second daughter, Amy Lin Loftis. In 1991, Charles married his beloved wife, Bettye. Together they made their home in Wentworth before relocating to Georgia in 1995 through Brown and Williamson. After retiring, Charles and Bettye fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Topsail Island — a place he dearly loved, as living by the beach had always been a desire of his heart. Charles was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved to travel. In recent years, Charles faced increasing physical challenges and later moved to Carolina Estates. Charles is lovingly remembered by his wife, Bettye Loftis; his daughters, Ann Loftis and spouse Stephanie, and Amy Boswell and spouse Phillip; his grandchildren, Amber Gilia, Anna Shea; his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Eleanor Gilila. He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis Loftis and spouse Sharon and Randy Loftis and spouse Patty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lindsey Loftis and Nancy Loftis.