Emory M. Charles Jr.,

Emory M. Charles Jr., 85, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Lancaster General Hospital after a brief illness.  He was the loving husband of Ruth M. (Eckman) Charles to whom he was married for 66 years.  Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Emory M. Charles Sr. and Ruth E. (Hoeltzel) Charles.

He graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School and spent much of his career with Harnish & Charles, his family owned flooring business where he worked from a teenager until his retirement in 1994.

Over the years Emory was involved with coaching youth baseball in Strasburg.  He also enjoyed square dancing and calling square dances, was a proud member of the Elks Lodge 134, and had a great love for his fellow hunters in the Lone Pine Hunting Camp in Potter County.

He was a member of Willow Street United Church of Christ.

In addition to his wife Ruth, he is survived by his daughter Shirley Miller (wife of Charles) of Willow Street, a son Elwood Charles (husband of Joyce Greenawalt) of Lancaster, and a son Eugene Charles (husband of Gina Bagnoli) of Lancaster; 9 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by a brother John “Mike” Charles of Lancaster.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service at the Kearney A. Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602, on Friday August 9, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. Ron Bohannan officiating.  A viewing will be held at the funeral home Thursday, August 8, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Friday at the funeral home from 12:00 P.M. until the time of the service.  Interment in Riverview Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675 or to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603.