Philip Arthur Charles Jr. (1937 – 2024)

Philip Arthur Charles Jr., of Front Royal, Virginia, Passed away peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2024, with his family at his side at his home while under the care of Hospice.

Philip Arthur Charles Jr.

Philip was born on October 18, 1937, in Washington, DC, to parents Philip and Emma Charles.

He lived in Arlington, Virginia, until 1988, when he retired to Front Royal, Virginia. He was currently a Chester Gap Fire Department member and served as their Treasurer for several years. Phil was active in the fire and rescue service for over 70 years, beginning as a volunteer firefighter in Arlington, VA, and later as a Volunteer Fire Chief.  Phil retired from the DC Fire Department after 20 years of service.

Upon Phil’s graduation from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, he attended The U.S. Naval Photo School in Pensacola, FL, and served three years as a Navy Photographer. When his enlistment from the Navy ended, he joined the DC Fire Department.

During this time, he operated a commercial photography studio in Arlington, VA, until 1981. The Studio was one of the first to utilize a color processing lab in the area. Upon retirement from his service on the DC Fire Department, Phil went on to work as a Staff Photographer for the National Gallery of Art (1981-1999), where he was responsible for photographing three-dimensional art objects for publications, slide presentations for curators and art exhibits as well as photography for six published art books.

Phil was a Front Royal, VA resident, having retired there 25 years ago. He and his wife, Sandra, purchased historic Lackawanna in Riverton and, after extensive restoration to the 1869 house, opened as a bed & breakfast operation until 2020.

Phil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra Charles; daughter, Katherine Blevins; son, Zachary Charles; four grandchildren, Charlie Blevins, Jack Blevins, Kelsey Charles, and Bryce Charles; and his beloved Standard Poodle, Chloe.

A memorial service is being planned for the middle of October.

Contributions can be made to Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department.