Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Charles Edward “Chase” Gore III, 32, peacefully departed his earthly life on March 27, 2024, knowing he had returned to his beloved state of WV and that his parents were at his side.

Charles, fondly called Chase, was born December 8, 1991 to Rev. Charles E Gore, Jr. and Lee Ann Hopson Gore, of Fayetteville, WV.

Chase was the oldest of three sons. He gave his life to the Lord at a young age. He was baptized and an active member of Morning Star Baptist Church. Whenever he saw a need, he never hesitated to assist. The church voted to make him a Junior Deacon, for which he was very proud.

Chase was a graduate of Fayetteville High School. While attending high school he was the football team’s manager for all four years and was given the nickname Birddog. He was loved by his teachers, coaches, and the student body. He was voted Prom Prince in his junior year and Homecoming King when he was a senior. It was said in the yearbook that he had the best laugh. He was proud to be a Pirate. For 7 years, while receiving care from his Cleveland Clinic Ped. Bone Marrow Transplant team, as well as, the Carl Larson Cancer Center in Beckley, he continued to impact the lives of those he met with his sense of humor, his insistence they all attend Bridge Day, his Halloween costumes and the treat bags he passed out, and his unwavering determination to face each day head on and follow doctor’s orders so he’d get better. He was a huge fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers and Guardians, WWE, and college football, especially Marshall. He loved old movies, classic TV sitcoms, Matlock, and game shows. He never missed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, he loved Bridge Day, and he decorated the home each holiday. He was fascinated with traffic lights, and his favorite superhero was Superman. By far, his favorite pastimes were texting, shopping, and sending cards for birthdays and holidays.

Chase was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles E. Gore, Sr and William H. Hopson; grandmother, Bertha H. Hopson; great-grandfather, J. Robert Stanton and, great-grandmother, Velma L. Stanton.

Chase leaves to cherish his memory his parents; brothers, twins, Brian C. Gore of Richmond, VA and Jonathan W. Gore of Ocala, FL; sister-in-law, Kyra Fontaine Gore of Richmond, VA; grandmother, Evelyn Gore of Lansing, IL; loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and the many friends he considered family.

Chase, diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum at a very young age, and then cancer at 25 years old, was described as a warrior, the real Superman with a huge heart of gold. He inspired many with his zest for life and courage, and it has been said he made the world a better place with his presence.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, April 5,2024 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.