Charles A. "Charlie" Creighton

Charles Alfred Creighton died peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025 following a brief illness.

“Charlie” was born in Richmond, Va on October 9, 1943 to Colin (Gaga) and Miriam (Mimi) Creighton. Upon graduation from Douglas Freeman High School, Charlie’s first job was literally “working on the railroad” as a fireman on the Atlantic Coast R.R. on the Richmond, Va to Florence, S.C. route. While working for the railroad, Charlie went back to a high school football game where he met and became smitten with a gorgeous cheerleader, Susan Binns. Susan captured his heart and subtly told him she was not interested in marrying a railroad fireman. Charlie quickly enrolled at N. C. State University, he and Susan were married and moved to Raleigh. He loved the Pack, and was later a devoted member of the Wolfpack Club. Upon graduation from NCSU, Charlie and Susan moved to Franklin, Va where Charlie worked for Union Camp. Charlie later took a job with Gregory Poole Equipment Co., moved to Edenton, and sold bulldozers and heavy equipment in Northeast N.C. He was an integral part of helping Malcolm McLean create First Colony Farms. Charlie subsequently went into business with Camden’s George Wood and began Creywood Oil Company which later became Creywood Tire and eventually Colony Tire Corporation which now consists of 44 tire stores and a wholesale distributor (Atlantic Tire) doing business in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida with over 1000 employees. Charlie’s favorite Christmas tradition was to visit every store and thank every employee. He loved and took a personal interest in each of them.

Among Charlie’s most cherished recognitions were his appointment by Governor Pat McCrory to the N.C. Economic Development Board, the national 2007 Modern Tire Dealer of the Year award, the Edenton Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award and Businessman of the Year award (twice), and President of the N.C. Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association. He served his community in many ways, including service as a member of the Chowan Hospital Board of Trustees and the Edenton Rotary Club. He served St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as a Vestryman and Senior Warden. He founded and leaves behind the “Still Having Fun Club.”

Charlie was a model of generosity. Colony Tire trucks loaded with supplies could be seen traveling to the site of any natural disaster east of the Mississippi. He was instrumental in saving Edenton’s Taylor Theater and a benefactor of the State’s acquisition and preservation of Hayes Plantation. Under his leadership, Colony Tire sponsored virtually every charity event in Edenton and the surrounding area.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, father and sister, Colleen Creighton Berninger. Charlie is survived by Susan, his wife of 60 yrs and the love of his life, his son, Scott Creighton (Marshall), his daughter Stephanie Bergeron (Andrew) and his grandchildren Britt Ratcliff (Christian), Porter Creighton, Eleanor Burcham, Chandler Bergeron, Drew Bergeron, and Charles Creighton, Jr.

Charlie’s “hobby” was people. Whether it was family, church, business, or community, he was personally involved and made life better for all whom he encountered. Affectionately known as The Beef to his friends and Cha Cha to his family, his curiosity and love of conversation kept him involved with everyone. A good conclusion to Charlie’s day was sitting on his porch in Edenton or Nags Head surrounded by family and friends, sipping a gin martini (extra olives), and watching a glorious sunset over Edenton Bay or Jockey’s Ridge. He lived life large, and his smiling face and contagious laugh will be missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Charlie’s life is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton. The service will be live-streamed to the St. Paul’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Tunnel To Towers, 2361 Hyland Blvd, Staten Island, N.Y. 10306 or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Legacy Foundation, P.O. Box 548, Edenton, N.C. 27932.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com