Charles “Charlie” Christopher Robertson, III

Date of Death: February 14, 2019

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service

Location Not Available

Friday 2/22, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Winchester, Virginia

cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA

At a later date

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:
An animal welfare organization

Charles Christopher Robertson, III, “Charlie”, 71, of Winchester, Virginia, formerly of Atlanta, Georgia, died unexpectedly on February 14, 2019, at Winchester Medical Center. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Charlie, as a child in a military family, lived in Japan and Germany before they eventually settled in Columbus, Georgia, where he attended Baker High School, graduating in 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Upper Iowa University.
After high school, Charlie joined the United States Army. He served in the 9th Infantry Combat Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, in which he attained the rank of Captain. As a platoon leader during his service in Vietnam, Charlie was wounded twice for which he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal. He also was a recipient of the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action, as well as the Bronze Star Medal (with “V” device) for heroism, and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
Following his military service, Charlie began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer with the Columbus (Georgia) Police Department. Between 1978 and 2002, he served as a Special Agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), rising through the ranks to become an Inspector. During his tenure with the GBI, his assignments included general investigations in the Milledgeville (Georgia) Regional Office, narcotic investigations on a specialized task force based out of GBI Headquarters, and Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Regional Office conducting sensitive investigations in narcotics trafficking and political corruption.
After retirement from the GBI, Charlie established Robertson Investigative Services Group, Ltd., which provided security services and specialized investigations for international corporate clients and agencies of the State of Georgia.
Charlie was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart; American Legion Post #0137 in Jacksonville; The Veterans of Foreign Wars; Retired GBI Agents Association; and the Masonic lodge of Milledgeville, Georgia.
In 2014, Charlie moved to Winchester when his life partner, Eden Elisabeth Freeman, was appointed as Winchester’s City Manager. In his retirement, he hosted numerous “Happy Hours” in their home and was well known for his artistically presented hors d’oeuvres trays and “painfully dry” Ketel One martinis, life-lessons he had learned from his parents’ frequent entertainment of military colleagues and friends. He loved to travel, and he and Ms. Freeman particularly enjoyed their trips to Alaska, Montana, California, Europe, Russia, Ireland, and the Caribbean. Charlie enjoyed keeping up with the news through the Wall Street Journal and BBC News Service. He was a life-long lover of animals and doted on his two toy poodles, Francesca and Oliver.
Charlie was a true gentleman, kind and loyal friend, and mentor and protector of the servicemen and agents who worked under him. He was completely devoted to his partner, Ms. Freeman, and supported and encouraged her in her professional career.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Colonel Charles Christopher Robertson, Jr., and Mrs. Frances Bland Robertson, and by his brother, Stephen Bland Robertson. He is survived by Ms. Freeman; nephews, Matt, Kenny, and Jeff Robertson; very close and dear friends: John and Pat Riley, Wayne and Rosa Lord, Jim and Vickie Covington, Roy and Linda Harris, Kent and Cynthia Wilson, Kipp and Jennalyn Mayeux, Don and Dona Robertson, Mamie and Brian Kinzig, Clay Nix, Dana and Patrick Evans, Lowman and Sharon Hatfield, and Charlie’s best friend since the age of 6, Denny Gore; in-laws, Eddie and Linda Freeman; sister-in-law, Lisa Kunkler; cousin, Mike Jones; and several great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley on Friday, February 22, 2019, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A celebration of his life also will be held in Atlanta at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Charlie with a donation to an animal welfare organization. A service of burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery where Charlie’s body will be interred

DEBBIE MARTIN, WINCHESTER DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

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Friday 2/22, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Winchester, Virginia

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Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA

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At a later date

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Memorial contributions may be made to:
An animal welfare organization

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Dear Charlie My friend. You were such an example, how Mom and Dad loved you. You were such a kind and gentle soul, and your stories. How you gave a little girl your military jacket when you came to visit. Rest easy, we got this. Sit with the Colonels and Miss Evelyn and Miss Frances. Love you buddy.

I worked for Charlie when he was SAC (Special Agent in Charge) of R-10 (or as he insisted everyone call it, the Atlanta Regional Office of the GBI) in 2000. We became fast friends, having in common being veterans and bleeding the blue and gold of the GBI. What I remember most is his outstanding sense of humor, his great style, and his devotion to his country and the GBI. I knew he was unique when I first used the bathroom at R-10 and the reading material was a specialty tie catalog where you could by a tie in the colors of any Army ribbon (medal) you had received in service. Always faithful to stay in Spec Ops shape, and maintain his classy R-10 SAC appearance at the same time, he would workout early in the morning and drive to the office in his under shirt so as not to wrinkle his highly starched and pressed dress shirt. I don't remember an officer involved shooting that he didn't come to...even before it was a requirement that a supervisor be present. Charlie was a gentleman and real American. I know I am a better agent and person for having had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Charlie is a true American Hero. Charlie came to the Milledgeville Office as I transferred back to Headquarters. The first time I met him I did not have a clue about all of his accomplishments, but it was clear that he had an incredible sense of humor, was very confident and was someone you could count on. Through the many years I knew him all of these things proved true. My office and his office worked on several public corruption cases and financial cases together. Just as others have noted he was always very positive and devoted. He will definitely be missed but not forgotten. Eden you are in my family's prayers. Even though I will not be able to attend either service you and Charlie will be in my thoughts. God Bless you!

Charlie and I were born into army families, sons of career soldiers and combat veterans of WWII and Korea. His family lived down the hill from us at Ft. Benning, Ga. Our parents became friends before we did. The Robertsons left for Germany in 1955 and the Gores followed in 1956. By 1957 both families were living in the same apartment building in Munich, Germany. Our families were inseparable and our memories together were many. The Robertsons returned to Ft. Benning in 1958 and the Gores left Germany in 1959 for Ft. Meade, Md. We have never lived close to each other since. I have read many wonderful and heartfelt tributes to Charlie. He earned them. He was always a leader . I would like to share a little different perspective , a family one. Our families would reunite and share memories over the years. They were highly anticipated events, usually arranged by Charlie. When we all returned to our homes the connection was strengthened waiting for that next reunion. It occurred to me as I remembered Charlie and his family, since his passing, that he will never leave us. I cannot remember a Gore family gathering that did not include the Robertsons in our thoughts and conversations. That was Charlie's gift to us. He was a true gentleman, a great friend and an unabashed patriot. Eden, we share your grief.

I've known Charlie since the mid 80's. I've watched his career as a GBI Special Agent from the time when he was an Assistant SAC in Conyers, GA until he retired as an Inspector. We've talked about many subjects. We were both Viet Nam vets and had careers in law enforcement. I still have a golf hat that I picked up for him. I knew he would show up in my office one day to get it. Good friend, we will meet again some day!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Charley was one of those rare people who was able to keep a positive attitude and a great sense of humor despite witnessing the worst possible human behavior. He defended his country, state and community from those who prey on the innocent and unsuspecting. He persevered because of the strength and depth of his character, his courage and his commitment to his fellow man. He is a hero to his family, his friends and to strangers who never knew him, but had better lives because of him. Well done Charley! Rest in peace.

Charlie’s service to America during the Vietnam War was exemplary, he answered the call of his nation during trying times and served with honor. Charlie’s career in the GBI was exemplary as well, he was mission oriented and dedicated to those in his command, which was the result of that Infantry & Special Forces background. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery is an honor which this patriot has earned. I am proud to be a fellow Vietnam veteran and GBI agent who served with Captain/Inspector Charlie Robertson.

We salute you, Charlie. You ran the race, the race marked out for you, with perseverance. You served your country, loved your family, and valued your friends. Thank you for your example. Until we meet again, my friend. Beedo

Charlie was one of the first agents I met when I went to work at the crime lab. Being from Milledgeville and in training to go to the new lab in Macon, I developed many relationships with the agents at R-6. It seems he always had a smile on his face and a zest for life. I always felt better after spending time with him. He will be missed.

THE THIN BLUE LINE Among us, sent down from heaven, Are those that walk a Thin Blue Line, that's a given. Like Guardian Angels to watch over me and you, Are those that wear the uniform of blue. We see them only as traffic stops, We do not call them friends, just cops. We pray we never have a chance meeting, We never pass along a greeting. But they are so much more than this, They simply do not see the world as bliss. But they look into the corners of our deepest fears, They walk the beat, they wipe a tear. They bring a message to our home, When all is not well, and you are alone. They come to us, no matter the need, Handle the problem, complete the deed. They lay their personal feelings aside, They do their job, they have great pride. And if one should fall, among life's things. The badge they wear, turns into wing

Well done, good and faithful servant. Our country was honored by your service. I was honored by your friendship. Rest easy, my friend. You will be missed.

I remember Charlie with a smile on his face at all times. Although I never worked alongside him, I knew of his reputation throughout the GBI. I will not be in Winchester on the 22nd but I will raise a glass in his honor on the Florida coast.

Eden, My deepest and sincerest condolences to you. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are being lifted up in prayer. ?

IN MEMORY OF CHARLIE

I only recently had the privilege -- and I use that word intentionally -- to get to know Charlie, and I was struck by the honor, dignity, wit and intelligence of this great man. To meet Charlie is to know him. To know him is to love him. To love him is to miss him greatly. What a force of life he was! Very few people have made such a profound impression on me in such a short time. His great love and respect for Eden, his unwavering hospitality, and his compassion for friends and the people of this wonderful community earned my undying admiration. Gone too soon, Charlie. Gone too soon......May you rest in peace. When I met Charlie I was struck by so many things and was instantly drawn to

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.