Honoring Charles Mettam: Support for Funeral Costs

On August 14th, 2025, we lost my dad, Charles Worthington Mettam, surrounded by his family at his home. His favorite place. He was kind, witty, empathetic, resilient, and loving — the type of man who inspired everyone he met.

My parents met at the NC School for the Blind and were married for 43 years. Dad knew Mom was “the one” almost instantly, and together they built a life defined by love, partnership, and teamwork. Both born sighted, they adapted to living with blindness with remarkable resilience, humor, and positivity. They raised me in a home so full of joy that I rarely felt aware of any differences, they showed me every day that love and determination can overcome anything.

Dad loved being a father more than anything. He and Mom were always at my school events, proudly displayed my childhood “art” (even upside down sometimes!), and encouraged me in every dream I chased. They set a beautiful example of what it means to love, support, and truly show up for your family.

He touched lives far beyond our home — from AppalCart bus drivers and grocery store clerks to my friends and our extended family. He met life’s challenges with grace, humor, and unwavering positivity. Everyone he met turned into a new friend quickly.

This summer, my husband PJ and I bought a home right behind my parents so we could be closer and create more memories together. Sadly, Dad never got to visit. Shortly after we moved in, his health began to decline. Over five weeks, he was in two different hospitals, a rehab facility, and had countless doctor appointments. We stayed by his side every step of the way, praying for his recovery. My dad was incredibly tough — he even received a kidney transplant when I was little, which gave us 35 more years together (which is a miracle and a blessing). But in the end, congestive heart failure took him, and God called him home.

The suddenness of his passing has left us heartbroken and facing a sudden financial challenge. The initial funeral cost is $10,000, not including a headstone. While PJ and I will help as much as we can, the recent expenses of our move make it difficult to do this alone. Our goal is to lift this weight from my mom’s shoulders so she can focus on grieving, healing, and adjusting to her “new normal” without the man who has been her partner in everything.

Many of you have already offered prayers, meals, rides for Mom, and words of love — and we are deeply grateful. If you feel led to give, your donation will go directly toward honoring Dad with a beautiful service and helping Mom keep up with other necessities in the months ahead.

If you can’t give financially, we ask for your continued prayers, especially for my mom, as we learn to navigate life without our hero.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for loving our family and helping us honor an extraordinary man who will always be remembered for his kindness, his humor, and his unwavering love.

With love and gratitude,

Melisa & PJ