Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Charles Clark Moss

9/22/1946 - 9/10/2026

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Obituary For Mr. Charles Clark Moss

Mr. Charles Clark Moss, 79, retired co-owner of the family-owned and operated Moss Auto Electric, passed away peacefully from this life at The Ansted Center in WV on Thursday, September10, 2026.

Charles was born September 22, 1946, in Beckley, WV, he was the fifth of six children born to the late John Edward Moss Sr. and Viola Clark Moss. Charles was raised and spent most of his life in Beckley. He was a Baptist by faith and attended Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Charles, in his early years, joined his father and his brother Leon, working as mechanics at Moss Auto Electric, located at 501 S. Fayette Street. A piece of history, the company that was started by his parents in 1927, was one of the oldest African American owned and operated businesses in Beckley. The business was incorporated by the brothers. Sometime later, he expanded the garage to include The Sound Room, selling music equipment, albums, and even the latest eight-track and cassette tapes. Charles was known as an audio electronic engineer. Anyone who knew Charles immediately recognized his very special relationship with his younger brother. Carmen, who lived with disabilities, had a full and meaningful life until his death in 2019. Caring for Carmen gave Charles purpose; they were almost always together.

Charles loved cars, especially the sleek fast ones. He loved fixing and driving all kinds of cars, but he treasured his Vette. Charles was also a music lover and a sports fan who found joy in watching football and basketball. With declining health, he was cared for by the staff of The Ansted Center. For this, the family is eternally grateful.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Moss Sr. and Viola Moss; his sisters, Lola Moss Lewis and Elaine Viola Moss; his brothers, Leon Wilford Moss, John Edward Moss Jr., and Carmen Maurice Moss; his brother-in-law, Floyd Hilton Lewis Sr., and his aunts, Grace Clark and Evangeline “Neanie” Moss Cook.

Charles leaves to cherish precious memories his nephew, Floyd Hilton Lewis Jr.; niece, Karen (Frank) Johnson; grand-nephew, Frank L. (Rachel) Johnson; two grand-nieces, Laurel (Will) Johnson and Stacie Johnson; three great-grand-nieces, Jemma and Peyton Johnson, and Sydney Lola Harris, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel 748 S. Fayette St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Tributes

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Sharon Wright Diggs sent Serene Lily Basket for Mr. Charles Clark Moss - 09/18/2026

    Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely, Sharon Wright Diggs and Dorothy Wright Jordan

    Send flowers for Mr. Charles Clark Moss

Condolences

  • 09/20/2026

    Charles -- As I looked at you in your casket, naturally there was a quiet stillness in the room. The strangest thought entered my thoughts. '... Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All of the Kings men couldn't put Humpty together again'. Charles, no more medicines; no more aches and pains, and no more wondering when you could get up and go home. You've collected your wings and have gone home. Enjoy your new surroundings. I hope that it's everything that you would have wanted. Much love.

  • 09/18/2026

    Offering my heartfelt condolences to Charles' loved ones. Charles was my classmate all through our Stratton High School years. To Welton's point, he was one of the very smart ones. Our classmates were excited and pleased to see him and enjoyed his presence at our 50th high school class reunion. As Charles is resting in his quiet peace we will lean on our memories.

  • 09/18/2026

    Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family. May God continue to bless and keep you. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

  • 09/16/2026

    I am definitely at a loss for words! You was like a father to me, you and my mom was together for years! You had been in my life over 28 years and I cherish every moment and memory we had. I love you for everything you have done for us over the past years! You will definitely be missed! My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family!

  • 09/15/2026

    Wishing you peace, comfort, and healing. It is heartbreaking to learn the passing of Moss.I have been knowing Charles Moss all my life Moss is like a brother to me. My heart breaks. I will hold onto all the memories that we had from you taking me riding in your gray Corvette and helping me with my homework and helping my mom on Church Street. With caring thoughts love Oketta GreenNickens

  • 09/14/2026

    Moss, you meant the world to our family! I remember coming to your house and your shop every single day when I was younger. When I had my daughter and my son second son, you were right there! You meant everything to my grandma (Renee) and now you guys are reunited again. We love and will miss you so much! You will always have a piece of our hearts! Get your rest now🕊️

  • 09/14/2026

    Moss you was a good man and alot of fun to be around. We loved watching to get down with some Tina Turner on and dance with us. You are in good hand my friend we love you and will miss you dearly.

  • 09/13/2026

    Charles was my classmate at Morten Reeves and one year at Stratton before I moved. He was the smartest kid I knew and also the nicest. God bless his family and his memory. Welton

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