Dr. Charles Gilreath died on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, just six months shy of his 90th birthday. “Doc” to most of you, he was husband to his wife, his “Angel”, Lelia for 67 years. He was dad to his daughters Terri and Holli, Papa to his grand-daughter Julie and great-grandson, Cooper.
Doc was a Chiropractic Physician for 61 years and worked until retirement at age 86.
Doc was a born storyteller. He especially loved to tell stories regarding the history of Wilkes County, his own family history and growing up in the Brushy Mountains.
Doc was a member of Elkin Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder. He was a member of several organizations including the Lions Club where he was a past President. He served as Vice President of the Over Mountain Victory Trail and was proud to have been a member of the Elkin Fire Department.
A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and the National University of Health Science in Chicago, IL. where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic.
Doc leaves a legacy of having improved the quality of life of many people through his gifts and knowledge. He deeply missed his work and his many patients after his retirement.
His greatest legacy is perhaps in the love he had for his family. He wanted to care for and provide for them in the best ways he could. His family will strive to honor him by keeping the best of who he was within us and sharing his legacy of love for family, work and community alive.
It would be impossible for us, the family, to thank each of you who have created a circle of love around both our dad and our mother. Your care, love and prayers have meant so much for them and each of us.
The next time you hear a corny joke, think of Doc and laugh out loud. He would love that.
A memorial Service is being planned for a future date.
Visits: 2688
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors