Charles Richard Sisk, Jr.

Charles Richard Sisk, Jr., also known as ‘Chip’, a nickname he got at a young age when a family friend said he looked like a chip off the old block.  In his teens he was known as “Little Ghost” to his CB radio friends since his father was known as the ‘Gray Ghost.’  He probably is best known as ‘Charlie’ to his friends.  Charles passed away at the age of 72, at MCV Hospital in Richmond, Virginia after his battle with cancer.  He has been admitted to their Palliative care unit on the 23rd and early in morning of January 24th, 2025 he quietly quit breathing.  He was born in Fauquier County Hospital in Warrenton, Virginia on July 18th, 1952 and lived his childhood in Culpeper, Virginia.  Most of his adult life was spent in Washington, D.C., Roanoke, and Richmond, Virginia.

 

He is survived by his longtime friend and partner, Phillip R. Zornes.  Many, many long time friends.   His only sister, Linda Lee Sisk Weary and her husband Douglas of Richmond, Va.  His niece, Lydia Lee Weary Dickson and her husband Bryan of Durham, NC.  His nephew Andrew Niles Weary and his partner, Angela Adams of British Columbia, Canada, and their baby girl, his grandniece Rebecca Lee Weary.

 

He was the son of Charles Richard Sisk, Sr. and Elizabeth Lee (Cox) Sisk, both deceased and were waiting in Heaven for his arrival.  He is descended from a long line of Virginians and their partners that came from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Germany, France, and Scandinavia.  All hardworking Christian people.  They were factory workers, merchants, farmers, and if we go back far enough even royalty.

 

He was always a hard worker, following the same path as his ancestors.  In Culpeper County High School and Mary Washington College he worked for the local A & P while going to school.  After school he moved to Richmond to work at Blue Cross/Blue Shield, now Anthem.  Transferred to the Washington, D. C. office, then back to Richmond office, then to the Roanoke office, and back to Richmond.  He left Anthem to join the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance where he worked for many years until his retired.

 

In 2020 he discovered he had bone cancer in his right arm.  After several surgeries to remove the cancer and replace bone with artificial the cancer mutated and his right arm and shoulder had to be amputated.  He received confirmation that the cancer had mutated and migrated to his left lung.  The month of January was spent in and out of hospitals until on the 22nd he decided to go into palliative care unit (hospital hospice.)  They moved him into the palliative care unit on the 23rd, and he died peacefully in his sleep early in the morning on the 24th of January 2025.  God was so good calling him home in a painless, peaceful manner.

 

All his life he worked to serve and help others, counting his blessings every day.  He was known for his many acts of kindness.  Whether a treat on a desk, a gift to a special friend, a birthday noticed and decorated, to trips and vacations with family members.  His generosity and caring will always be remembered.  Always encouraging others and being thankful for all he had.

 

He loved to travel going to all the continental states, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.  He loved all kinds of music, so it was not uncommon to find him with headphones on listening to his CD collection.  He loved good food, for instance when he would try seafood on trips to Florida, Maine, San Francisco, or at home.  He loved art, going to museums where ever he went, collecting snow scenes, and other art work.  He loved plants but had a hard time keeping houseplants alive.  His family would tease him with artificial plants.  After a while he got plants for the yard so God could water them.  He loved azaleas and dogwoods so he helped plant one of each at his father’s resting place.  He loved his yard plants and was always taking pictures of his shamrocks, gladiolas, irises, dwarf spruces, dwarf Japanese maples, peonies, and all the other plants to send to friends and family.                

 

His remains will be scattered by the family as he requested with a tombstone placed at the family plot in Culpeper, Virginia next to his father.

 

In lieu of cut flowers the family has requested perennials that can be planted for constant reminders of him and his love for years to come.  Plants could be delivered to Linda Weary at 3002 Ruthland Road, Henrico, Va. they will be dispersed to the family. Or if you prefer a donation to the Massey Cancer Center at VCU in Richmond, Virginia would be appreciated.