Charles W. “Charley” Cairns passed away Friday night, Sept. 13, 2013. He was 93.

Born in Chicago in 1920, he served as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, afterwards attending Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he met and married the love of his life, Louise.

He graduated in 1948 with a bachelor of science in chemistry, and went to work for Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Mich., where he spent his entire career and became an account executive in paper plastics. With Dow, he lived outside of Detroit, Chicago and New York, until 1980 when he moved to the Red Fox community in Tryon to retire and continue his golf and socializing escapades.

He was a TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) Fellows Award Recipient in 1976 and received the Leadership & Service Award from its Coating & Graphic Arts Division in 1993 for his years of service with the organization. A member of the Canadian Club of New York, he was an avid (and good) golfer from the age of 7 into his 80s. He was also an elder of the Tryon Presbyterian Church.

Charley was known for his wit and pleasant, gentleman-like manner. He loved to have fun, and was not afraid to dress up to draw a laugh. He loved people, and everyone loved him. He will be sorely missed by all.

Charley is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Louise (Johnston), their children Charles Bruce, James Howard (Janice), John Foxwell (Jim), Judith Ann Boburka (John), and Katherine Louise; sister, Dorothy Meadows; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 in the Tryon Presbyterian Church with Dr. James C. McPherson officiating. An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com