Charles Wray “Charlie” Sovine
7/15/1933
– 5/23/2026
Charles Sovine, also lovingly known as Papa, Daddy, and Charlie, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 23, 2026, in Downey, CA, at the age of 92. Born on July 15, 1933, in Culloden, WV, the son of Walter Wray Sovine and Jessie Rutherford Danford, he grew up on the family farm in Hurricane, WV, alongside his younger brother, Bill, who passed away in 2011.
Charles graduated from Huntington East High School in West Virginia in 1951 and worked at the Beverly Theater as an usher, Niermann’s Pharmacy, and also Standard Ultramarine & Color Company (SUCO) as a color tech, in Huntington, WV. In 1957, he married his “sweetheart,” Jean Lilly, who passed away last year, February 19, 2025. They moved to California with just $200 and made their home in Downey, where they raised their two children, Tammi and Bill. They were deeply devoted to each other and were married for 67 years.
Charles held his position as a 32nd Degree Mason in high regard and earned recognition for over 50 years of Masonic service. He was also honored to be a Shriner and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Charles had a 34 year career working in logistics, sales, and account management. He worked for the Union Terminal Warehouse and later sold Mutual Funds. He retired as a manager for Fibreboard Corporation in 1989.
Charles was talented and creative, enjoying sketching, computers, keeping the family history and creating handcrafted treasures, including beautiful, wood nativity sets cherished by his family. A talented handyman who could fix almost anything, he was always ready to help family and friends. After retiring, Charles and Jean moved to their dream cabin in West Virginia, which they designed and helped build. In 2017, they returned to Downey, CA, to spend their later years near family. His legacy of love, creativity, humor, and devotion to family will be remembered and treasured by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Tammi Humbert and husband, Will, of Downey, CA; his grandson, Ryan Humbert, wife, Kimie, and great-grandchildren, Asher and Rylie of Downey, CA; and granddaughter, Magen Humbert Meyers and husband, Cedric, of Lancaster, CA. He is also survived by granddaughters, Nicole Sovine and fiancé, Cory Marshall, of Las Vegas, NV; and Lauren Sovine and fiancé, Tim Egan, of Austin, TX; both children of his son, William Charles “Bill” Sovine, who passed away in 2017. A family memorial dinner was held in his honor in Downey, CA, on June 20, 2026.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Greenbrier Burial Park in Hinton, WV. All are welcome.
Condolences may be left at www.PivontFuneralHome.com.
