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Charles William Terrill, 80, of Wheeling, WV joined his beloved wife, Helge, in Heaven on their 60th Wedding Anniversary, Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home with his devoted niece, Tammy, by his side.
Charles was born in Dallas, WV to Betty Chedester Boyd and the late Russell Elmer Terrrill.
Charles enlisted in the US Army in Fairmont, WV at the age of 17. He completed Basic Training at Fort Gordon, GA and specialty training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. His first duty station was in Nellingen, Germany. It did not take long for Charles to decide that he liked the Army.
Charles was in Germany approximately 14 months when he met a beautiful German lady, Helge Brigette Rupp, who would very soon become the love of his life. Helge captured his heart on their first date and they were married 6 months later. Helge supported Charles in his Army career 100% and performed her duties as an Army wife exceptionally well as Charles progressed in rank. Their marriage was "a life as one" until Helge succumbed to cancer in 2022, after 57 wonderful years of marriage.
Charles retired from the Army with 28 1/2 years of dedicated service as a Command Sergeant Major, the highest rank an enlisted soldier can be promoted to.
Charles served two tours of duty in Vietnam, the first from February 1967 to March 1968 and the second from December 1969 to December 1970, four tours of duty in Germany and eleven different assignments in the United States.
He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit Medal, 1 Bronze Star Medal, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 1 Army Achievement Medal, 7 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Service Device, 2 Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medals with 6 Service Stars, Army Service Ribbon, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with the 5th Award, 3 Awards of the Overseas Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Expert Rifle and Pistol Badge, Sharpshooter Badge with Hand Grenade, Sapper Badge, 1975 Soldier of the Year, 5 Certificates of Achievement, 6 Certificates of Appreciation and 12 Letters of Commendation.
During his off duty time, at night, Charles graduated from Columbia with a Degree in Business. After 28 1/2 years of rewarding service in the US Army, Charles went on to work for the State of West Virginia as a Veterans Service Officer. He found this to be rewarding work as he was able to serve and support his fellow Veterans, their families and widows. Charles was promoted to Veterans Claims Manager which was a very demanding job. Charles retired after 17 years of helping deserving Veterans acquire their due benefits.
After Charles' 2nd retirement, he spent all of his time enjoying life with his wonderful and full-of-life wife, Helge.
Charles is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helge Bridgette Rupp Terrill, his father, Russell Terrill, step father Earl Robert Boyd, brothers Roy Terrill, Russell Elmer Terrill and Earl R. Boyd as well as sisters, Phyllis Czamecki, Helen Clark and Marth Yahn.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Chedester Boyd of Wheeling, brothers, Harold Russell Terrill of Beloit, OH and Norman Lee (Diane) Terrill of Thompsonville, IL and a sister, Dorothy Gaye Shaw of Bellaire, OH as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Friends and family will be received Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and Monday 11:00 AM until time of service at 12:00 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street, Wheeling, WV with Rev. Jon Hudmall. Interment will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery with full Legion of Merit Military Honors.
Please consider honoring both Charles and Helge with a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a memorial fund Charles established in memory of his beloved wife and their joint love for children. You may do so by visiting www.TMCFunding.com.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.AltmeyerFuneralHomes.com.