John "Charlie" Stiwalt, Jr.

John “Charlie” Stiwalt, Jr., age 85, of Bessemer City, passed peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born December 11, 1940, in Gaston County, to the late John and Viola Grayson Stiwalt.

Charlie was a 1959 graduate of Bessemer City High School. In 1960, Charlie married the love of his life, Edith. During the late 60’s and early 70’s, Charlie ran the Stiwalt Family Dairy Farm. Charlie retired from the N.C. Department of Transportation as an equipment operator. He was a faithful member of Christian Conventions Church.

Charlie enjoyed annual RV camping trips to Myrtle Beach, Florida, and out west. He had a wide array of collections including antique oil lamps, pocket watches, coins, and clocks. Charlie also collected tractors, specifically 9 Farmall tractors, with his son, Perry.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce Guthrie, and Merry Hollingshead.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Edith Faye Brown Stiwalt; sons, Perry Stiwalt (Tracy), and Kenny Stiwalt (Melanie); daughter, Phyllis Hill (Arvel); brother, Howard Stiwalt (Linda); grandchildren, Travis Stiwalt, Courtney Stiwalt, Sarah Schaffer (Jason), Carolyn Smith, Hannah Bridges (Tyler), Colt Rayfield, and Jason Rayfield; and great-grandchildren, Eliana Gonzales, and Rosalee Schaffer.

A special thank you to his nieces, Regina G. Clark and Sylvia Brown, for the care they provided for Charlie.

A Graveside Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Bessemer City Memorial Cemetery with Preacher Jim Holt officiating.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com