Mr. Charles "Charlie" Lenthas Tew

Mr. Charles “Charlie” Lenthas Tew of Enterprise, AL passed away Thursday, September 12, 2019 at home. He was 75 years old. A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 16 in the Esto Community Cemetery in Esto, FL. Sorrells Funeral Home directed the service, with Pastor Leon Adams presiding. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross or other charities.                               Charles was born in Slocomb, AL to the late Melvin and Annie Ruth Tew. He grew up knowing the value of hard work, fair play, and a loving heart. Mechanically gifted, Charles always had projects going, for family, friends, or himself. Throughout his life he tried to use his skills to help where he could. He volunteered with Boy Scouts, schools, and other organizations. He was passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge. Charles loved fishing, growing vegetables and flowers, listening to and playing music, and exploring new crafts, including woodworking, china painting, and stained glass. He took the most joy in learning about ways that new technologies could be used in traditional crafts. Call him fisherman or gardener, artist or artisan, craftsman or musician; he was adept in many areas. Charles’ true passion in life was flying. He always said that when he was a boy in the fields that whenever a plane flew overhead, he would look up and know that one day that would be him. His career in the Army took him from tanks to his ultimate goal of becoming a test pilot. He flew many models of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, both professionally and recreationally. He also worked for many years at Ft. Rucker for a variety of defense contractors, and he was an active member of IAMAW Lodge 2003 during that time. Charles’ family life began after meeting Flora Elizabeth “Liz” Sheffield, whom he married on September 25, 1965. They spent the majority of their life together in Enterprise where they raised two children. After Liz passed in 2012, he spent time with his relations, neighbors, and longtime friends. Charles was predeceased by his beloved wife, Liz, and his sisters Betty, Shirley, and Mary. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Kyla Elizabeth Tew and John Glover of Henrico, VA; one son and daughter-in-law, Charles Lenthas, Jr. and Amy Tew of Hoover, AL, and their children, Chad and Emma; sisters Judy and Gail; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He flies free now, but he lives on in our hearts, memories, and prayers.