Obituaries

Charles Blair Dedwylder Sr.
December 12, 1939 – July 20, 2026

Charles Blair Dedwylder Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026. Born on December 12, 1939, in Harmony, Mississippi, Charles lived a remarkable life defined by faith, family, excellence, humility, and an unwavering love for others.

While attending the University of Southern Mississippi, Charles met the love of his life, Diana Posten. Their relationship began on the Southern Miss campus and grew into a lifelong commitment. Charles and Diana were married for 64 years, building a marriage rooted in love, faithfulness, friendship, and devotion. Diana’s passing in 2025 was a profound loss for Charles, but the love and memories they shared remained a lasting source of strength and gratitude throughout his life.

Charles was a man of exceptional character and integrity. He lived with honesty, humility, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others. His word was his bond, and his actions reflected the values he held most dear. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Charles sought to live his life through love, service, compassion, and grace. His faith guided him, and his example touched generations of family and friends.

Charles was an outstanding student-athlete at the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a member of the 1958 Southern Miss football team that captured a National Championship and was also an accomplished baseball player for Southern Miss. His dedication, athletic ability, and contributions to Southern Miss athletics earned him induction into the Southern Miss Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements in both football and baseball.

Following his time at Southern Miss, Charles proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Army. His military service reflected the same commitment to duty, honor, and responsibility that characterized every area of his life.

Charles later enjoyed a distinguished professional career as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for NCH Corporation, where he was respected for his leadership, vision, and dedication. He built lasting relationships throughout his career and was admired for his professionalism and integrity.

Beyond his professional and athletic accomplishments, Charles found great joy in the outdoors. He was a phenomenal woodsman, an accomplished hunter, and had a lifelong passion for pursuing big bucks. He respected the land, treasured time in the woods, and created countless memories through his love of hunting and the outdoors. Charles was also a renowned storyteller whose humor, wisdom, and ability to connect with people made every conversation memorable.

Those who knew Charles will remember a man who lived fully and loved deeply. His greatest accomplishment was his family and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life. He was a loving, kind, generous, and humble man who made those around him feel valued and cared for.

He is survived by his children, John Eldridge Dedwylder, D.V.M., and his wife Michal; Charles Blair Dedwylder Jr.; and David Bradley Dedwylder and his wife Michelle; his grandchildren, Erin Dianne Dedwylder (Kearns), Katherine Blair Dedwylder (Gump), Katrina Limbaha, Blair Toney Dedwylder, Charles Blair Dedwylder III, Emma Christine Dedwylder, Wyatt William Dedwylder, and Whitney Lee Dedwylder; and his great-grandchildren, Crue Howard, Blakely Elizabeth, Witten Wylder, Charleston Blair, and Everson Wyld.

Charles Blair Dedwylder Sr. was a true gentleman, a champion on the field, a patriot who served his country, a respected leader in his profession, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and above all, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

His legacy of faith, integrity, humility, kindness, generosity, and love will continue through the generations that follow. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love him.