Fire Captain Charles William Waller, Sr., age 81, passed away at his home, Saturday, October 14, 2017. Son of the late William and Margaret Adele West Waller, he was born October 4, 1936 in Cambridge, Maryland. After proudly serving in the Navy, Charlie was hired by Norfolk Fire September 1, 1960. He retired after over 36 years of service to the citizens of the City of Norfolk on December 31, 1996. Although Captain Waller spent most of his career as a "downtown" firefighter, he fought fire and saved lives all over the City. Known as an aggressive firefighter he was mentor to many rookies throughout his career – a lot of current and former firefighters owe much of their training, knowledge and skills to his willingness to take them under his wing. A task master when it came to the job, he gave it his all and expected you to do the same. He was, however, as active in the station as he was on the street. He was never one to sit if he (and you) could be moving and I don't think he ever met a floor he didn't want stripped, waxed and buffed. It's a wonder the apparatus floor didn't have a mirror finish! An avid softball player he always enjoyed a good game and played enthusiastically for many fire department contests. He loved a variety of things including traveling and dancing, often making sure to combine the two – cruises were never dull if Charlie and Joyce and Grant and Janet Murray were on board. I don't think he ever met a stranger. But as much as he loved the fire service and Norfolk Fire (and he truly did) he loved his family more.

Charlie is survived by Joyce, his beloved wife of 59 years, son Charles Jr., daughter Penney, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be on Wednesday, October 18th, 1-3 PM. A service will immediately follow, 3 PM, Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Norfolk Fire-Rescue Honor Guard will be in attendance. Condolences may be sent to his family at www.woodlawngroup.com.