Charlie Gaddy Obituary, North Carolina — North Carolina is mourning the loss of a broadcasting legend. Charlie Gaddy, the longtime face of WRAL-TV, passed away on the morning of June 12, 2025. He was 91.
For decades, Charlie was a trusted voice in living rooms across the state, anchoring the evening news with warmth, clarity, and an unmistakable sense of integrity. Many remember him as the “Walter Cronkite of North Carolina,” a figure who could be counted on in times of triumph and tragedy alike.
His influence stretched beyond the studio lights. Charlie’s connection to the community was deeply personal. He often visited towns large and small, including Warsaw, where he reported on the Veterans Day Parade. He was there, too, on the night a young woman won the title of Miss Duplin County, serving as emcee with his signature grace.
Those who knew Charlie best speak of his kindness as much as his professionalism. When that same woman’s mother passed away in 2009, Charlie didn’t hesitate to step in, delivering a heartfelt eulogy at her funeral. It was one of countless gestures that revealed his true character — generous, loyal, and endlessly compassionate.
From the start of his career, Charlie was admired by colleagues who looked up to him not only as a gifted journalist but as a mentor and friend. Even after he stepped away from the anchor desk, his presence remained woven into the fabric of WRAL. Former coworkers recall how often his name came up in conversation, always spoken with respect and affection.
“Charlie was a wonderful man and I’m thankful I had the chance to know and love him,” one colleague shared. “Always gracious, always kind — the epitome of a southern gentleman.”
Charlie’s ties to North Carolina ran deep. He attended Guilford College, where he formed lifelong friendships, and went on to become one of the most recognized and trusted figures in the state’s history of broadcasting.
In honoring his legacy, many will remember not just his steady voice behind the news desk but also the countless ways he showed up for others when it mattered most.
He leaves behind a community forever changed by his presence, and a standard of journalism that will inspire generations to come
