The Reverend Charles C. Caskey

The Reverend Charles “Charlie” Clinton Caskey died peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s Disease in Washington, DC on March 7, 2026. He was surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Clinton Caskey, as well as many cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Charlie was born in Mooresville, NC on July 22, 1946. He graduated from Mooresville High School and went on to Wake Forest University where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in political science, having spent a year at North Carolina State as a legislative intern. This culminated in a meeting at the White House with President Johnson and VP Humphrey, as well as Attorney General Kennedy. After this experience, Charlie was recruited to the Defense Intelligence Agency, where he served four years in the Southeast Asian section as a civilian analyst.

Charlie met Thayer Lee on a blind date in Washington, DC in the fall of 1970 while completing a master’s program in international politics at George Washington University for DIA. They were married in May of 1971. Having felt the call to ministry, Charlie enrolled in Virginia Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity. Charlie was ordained to the deaconate and to the priesthood in 1975. A life-long learner, he continued his studies at Indiana University Bloomington School of Education where he was ABD.

Charlie and Thayer were married 54 years and have two daughters, Katherine Baird Caskey (Alex Grattepanche) and Stephanie (Matt) Jepsen. Adored by his three grandchildren, Sofia Caskey, Elle and William Jepsen, he will forever be remembered as “Pops.”

Having faithfully served the Church in 10 states, spanning five decades, Charlie left an indelible legacy of justice, peace, hospitality, and compassion on all who he encountered. Charlie never knew a stranger. He was a gentle pastor and brilliant teacher, sharing his wisdom and building peace with people across political divides, cultures, and religions. In the words of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Charlie embodied: "Fighting Hate, Teaching Tolerance, Seeking Justice."

Charlie’s family spent a good portion of over 30 summers on Mackinac Island, MI. In many ways, this was their special island home where they brought new and old friends together. Charlie devoured books and ice cream in equal measure and cultivated his life-long passion for biking on Mackinac. While some were counting naps one, two, and three, Charlie was counting laps around the Island.

Charlie enjoyed engaging in the pastimes of his Scots-Irish roots, attending cèilidhs, Highland Games, eating shortbread, and sipping Talisker. Charlie will be remembered fondly for his warm smile, positive energy, sense of humor, and profound generosity.

After spending 20 years “beaching it” in Florida, Charlie and Thayer returned to where it all started—Washington, DC.

The family is grateful for the attentive and compassionate medical care of Georgetown University Hospital, the hospice care of Capital Caring, and all of Charlie’s many friends who lifted him up with their love and unceasing prayers.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Charlie’s commitment to living the Gospel of welcoming the stranger and to refugees and migrants, please consider making a gift in his memory to the International Catholic Migration Commission (icmc.net) and St. John’s Episcopal Church Georgetown (stjohnsgeorgetown.org). 

When the funeral arrangements are finalized, they will be published here.