Charles Wayne Hitchens also known as “Uncle Chuck”, was born in Laurel on Aug. 19, 1945, to the late Rev. Richard and Alberta Hitchens. He was a soft-spoken beacon of love to all who knew him. He transited into eternal rest on Jan. 2, 2026, at TidalHealth in Salisbury. He attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar School and graduated from William C. Jason High School in 1964. He was employed at the Laurel Sewing Manufactory for many years until they closed. Later, he was employed at M&T Bank in Millsboro and then Walmart in Seaford.
Charles Wayne was a life-long member of St. Matthews under the leadership of his father, Rev. Richard Hitchens and First Lady, Alberta Hitchens; later under the ministry of Rev. Nathan McCoy, Sr. and at the present time Rev. Errond B Truitt, Sr. He served faithfully in several ministries, including a trustee for over 55 years, drummer/percussionist, a lead singer for the Senior Choir, Gospel Choir, Men’s Choir, Baptist Men original member, Baptist Men – revived member. The Baptist Men were well known on the Delmarva Peninsula. Two of his favorite songs were “Running for My Life” and “I believe I’ll Testify While I have a Chance”. His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding.”
He was a prayer warrior, attending Bible Study regularly when he was able. He frequently called into St. Matthews’ Wednesday Night Prayer Line and the Thursday Noon Day Bible Study call in. He had a kind heart and took part in several food distribution campaign, including Walmart’s.
He was a semi-professional photographer – mostly wedding photos and church events. He was well known as the church photographer. He enjoyed arts and crafts, and he loved a good meal. He often requested his favorite foods: oyster sandwiches, chitterlings, and turnip greens.
Charles Wayne was always jovial in spirit and a faithful friend. He loved his pastor, Errond Truitt and others along his life’s journey including Mom, as he called her Mary Bolden, Eugene Greene, Helena Richards, and Brian and Rosalynn Baker and his entire St. Matt church family.
He leaves behind two sons, Charles Brackett from Bridgeville and Timothy Hitchens from Parsonsburg, and one granddaughter, Leilani Rose Hitchens from Parsonsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev Richard and Alberta Hitchens; his wife, Helen Hitchens; son, Tyrone Brackett; one sister, Sylvia (Joe) Oney; five brothers: Theodore (Ardella), William Alvin (Claudette), Louis (Margo). Robert (Bertha), Donald (Lorraine); and his niece, Jameszenna Roach a faithful missionary that supplied him with many things especially delectables.