Possessing skillful hands, a keen mind, and a kind heart, Charles (Charlie) Ray Lockert was truly a physician. Charlie passed away at his home on Friday, October 20, 2017 in Salisbury, NC. He was born in Ashland City, Tennessee on February 25, 1937 to Hazel Perry and William Bradley Lockert.

Charlie graduated from Vanderbilt Medical School, Nashville, Tennessee in 1962. Following completion of his internship at Toledo Hospital -Toledo, Ohio in 1964, Charlie then served his country in the United States Air Force from August 3, 1963 through August 1, 1965 as a medical officer and chief of medical services, where he practiced one year each of orthopaedic and general surgery at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. Charlie completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland from August 1965 to 1968. He was honored to have served as team physician for the Baltimore Colts. Searching for a “small home town” feel to practice, Charlie settled in Salisbury, NC in 1968 where he was the first orthopaedic surgeon to practice; and, later recruited three additional orthopaedic surgeons who he felt would serve the community well. Dr. Lockert maintained his practice in Salisbury until he retired in 1997 due to health reasons.

He was forever grateful for his devoted office family who remained with him throughout his illness and the closing of the practice.

Charlie served as medical staff for Rowan Regional Medical Center, Davie County Hospital and courtesy staff at the VA Medical Center. He was very active in the medical community participating in the local and state medical societies. He was instrumental in bringing physicians from Baptist Medical School to practice emergency services at Rowan Regional Hospital. After retirement he provided utilization review services for RHA Health Services and medical testimony for the Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals.

Charlie was a Rotarian and truly practiced the Rotary International Moto of “Service Before Self.” Services he provided are too numerous to list. He was most happy to support Catawba and Livingston Colleges (serving as team physician for both), Nazareth Children’s Home, and The Elks’ Summer Camp For Children. He was most proud to assist a young Salisbury resident secure a football scholarship and to provide financial assistance while in college. This young man came back to serve the community in the Salisbury School System; which, supported Charlie’s philosophy that “it takes a village to raise a child.”

Charlie served on the Rowan Vocational Opportunities (RVO) Board where he was instrumental in securing funding for needed improvements. He served on The Arc of Rowan Board playing a strong role in the fruition of “The Festival of Trees,” and The Arc of Rowan Apartments.

Charlie was active in veteran affairs–supporting veterans medically and emotionally to secure benefits, and worked many long hours to secure additional land for the National Cemetery in Salisbury. He was honored to serve in the following veteran organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars (Hudson-Miller Tatum Post; Faith American Legion; and the Rowan County 40 & 8.

Along with his parents, preceding him in death were siblings: William (WB) (Dot) Lockert; Jimmy P. Lockert and Anne Fields (Charlie).

Those left to cherish his memory is the love of his life for over 30 years, Revonda Nance; children: Chuck Lockert (Kristy) of Lawrenceville, GA; Cassandra Barrier of Salisbury, NC and Brett Lockert of California; grandchildren: Kelly (Scott) Little of Pensacola, FL; Jessica (Brandon) Beam of Hermitage, TN; Madison and Blake Barrier of Salisbury; great grandchildren, Drew and Taylor Little of Pensacola, FL; and Jackson and Easton Beam of Hermitage, TN; siblings, Faye McDonald (Russ) and Mike Lockert (Carolyn) of Ashland City, TN and many nephews and nieces of Ashland City, TN; Michigan; Salisbury, and Raleigh NC.

Charlie will be remembered for his laugh, his great sense of humor, his candor, and his kindness. He was a strong, but gentle man who loved his family and his maker—nothing is as strong as gentleness and nothing is as gentle as real strength.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 17 at 11:00 AM at the VA National Cemetery with a Celebration of Life Party following at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post at 1200 Brenner Avenue. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Rowan County Honor Guard, The Arc of Rowan, or the donor’s choice.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is assisting the Lockert family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.