Charles Allen Holpp, 78, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 28, 1942 in Uniontown, KY to Frederick August and Eva Mae (Pate) Holpp, Charles was the eldest of six children. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phyllis Ann (Fella) Holpp; his loving children, Steven (Ginger) Holpp of Huntsville, AL, Laurie Brenan of Leavenworth, WA, and Aaron Holpp of Seagrove, FL; grandchildren, Sydney Holpp, Nicholas Holpp, Josie Brenan and Nina Brenan; siblings, Fred (Madelyn) Holpp and Mike (Janet) Holpp; and many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law as well as nieces and nephews of which he liked to say, with a wink, that he was the favorite. He was preceded in death by his infant siblings, Marilyn Yvonne and Darryle Patrick, his sister, Bonnie Jean and his son-in-law, Johnny Brenan.
Known as Charlie growing up in Tell City, Indiana, he graduated from Tell City High School in 1960. It was there at the age of 16 that he met the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Fella along with her many brothers and one sister. Charlie was in the US Army for three years and stationed in Korea for a portion of his service. He and Phyllis were married in 1966 and began their family while he was attending Indiana Central College in Indianapolis. He worked at Ford Motor Co. and Jenn Air before beginning his long career with the US Government. He held a variety of positions throughout his career starting at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, Fort Bliss, TX and Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL.
Known in Huntsville to his friends and colleagues as Chuck, he joined the Space and Missile Defense Command as the Chief, Civilian Personnel Division, G-1 in 1998. He retired as Deputy Chief of Staff, Civilian Personnel Division, G-1 in 2003. In this position, he provided expert advice to senior leaders, the workforce, the Chief of Staff, and the Commanding General. He earned many awards throughout his 32-year career including the Superior Civilian Service Award.
Charlie truly enjoyed his work but knew that he would enjoy retirement immensely and never once looked back. He, as he always said, “had a dream” to open a beach bar named “Johnny’s Cocktail Beach Bar”. Knowing Charlie’s dry sense of humor, it was understood that meant that he just wanted to reap the rewards of his life of providing for his family, which was so important to him and simply spend time with Phyllis at the beach. He and Phyllis purchased a family house in Seagrove, FL where he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren creating special memories. In Huntsville, he enjoyed his retirement through coffee and golf with friends, participating with Eucharistic Perpetual Adoration at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and “Living the Good Life” as he liked to say.
A devout and faithful lifelong Catholic, Charlie was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Huntsville. His ashes will be placed at the Columbarium located at the church and a private mass and service will be held in the near future for his family to attend.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in Charlie’s name to Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
