Charles Thomas Bargeron, Jr., 84, of Tifton, died Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at his residence following a short battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 27, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at Saint Anne's Episcopal Church. Father Jacoba Hurst will officiate with burial to follow at Oakridge Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dale Redeker, Ran Wilson, Don Pearson, Dr. Steve Rigson, Fred W. "Buck" RIgdon and Ray Rogers. Friends and relatives are welcome to visit the family at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the parish hall of Saint Anne's.
Mr. Bargeron was born on December 30, 1921 in Sardis, GA to the late Charles T. and Lillian M. Bargeron. He grew up in Burke County, GA and attended Berry College before joining the Marine Corps during World War II. He saw action at Okinawa, landing with the first assault and not leaving until the island was taken. He also spent time on other islands in the South Pacific and China. After completing his education at the University of Georgia, he moved to Tifton in 1951, where he was the regional manager of audio visual services for 34 counties with the State Department of Education until he retired.
Charles and Lillian Bargeron operated Bargeron's, Inc. for over 39 years in Tifton. They specialized in English antiques and reproduction furniture. Mr. Bargeron studied furniture design and construction under the internationally recognized Franklin Gottshall and had a passion for designing and building fine furniture. Furniture of his design and construction is found in some of the finer homes in the southeast. He was a member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church for many years, where he has served on the vestry and other leadership positions.
Survivors included his wife of 58 years, Lillian J. Bargeron; one son and his wife, Tommy and Diane Bargeron of Tifton; two grandsons and their wives, Chuck and Lori Bargeron of Reidsville and Doug and Dondi Bargeron, all of Tifton; one brother, Reverend Sterling Bargeron of Reidsville; and a sister-in-law, Ann Hobbs of Athens. In 2005, he was blessed with two great grandchildren, Charlie Bargeron and Riley Bargeron.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne's Episcopal Church or Hospice of Tiftara.