Norfolk - Charlie James McCain, Sr. was called home to be with the Lord September 18, 2006.  He was born in Caswell County, NC to the late Charlie and Roxanna McCain.  He moved to Suffolk, VA in 1939.  In 1946 he married the former Mable Pender.  From this union was born eight children.   One daughter (Lisa McCain) and one son (Charlie J. McCain, Jr.) preceded him in death.  He retired from the Norfolk Naval Base in 1986 after over 40 years of service.



Brother McCain accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior when he joined the St. Thomas A. M. E. Zion Church on January 8, 1995.  He was an active member of  the Willing Workers Ministry and Members Class #2. Though a quiet man, you could always count on him to provide support when requested.  One thing he would always say to his eldest daughter was ?I had a good time in church today.?



He was preceded in death by five brothers; Willie, Harold, Dock, Ernest, and Burnis McCain.  His survivors include four daughters, Audrey M. Martin of Waldorf, MD;

Mary L. Pitt (Anthony) of Mitchellville, MD; Vanessa M. Sweat (Charles), and Darlene Wheeler (Clyde) both of Hampton; two sons, Gary McCain of Washington, DC and Billy McCain of Landover, MD; two sisters, Maggie Harrison and Mae Long of North Carolina; one brother, Paul McCain of Richmond, VA; twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one daughter-in-law, a special friend, Sylvia Hill of Norfolk, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.



A celebration of his life will be held Friday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.