Charles E. Britt

Charles E. Britt, 76, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Durham on June 13, 1949, to the late Henry and Betty Britt, he was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Britt.

Charles married the love of his life, Deborah Gardner, on March 6, 1970. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and the United States Army, earning an honorable discharge as a Sergeant. He dedicated 32 years to the City of Durham as a Public Safety Officer and Firefighter, retiring as Fire Captain in 2004. One of the first undercover officers in Durham, he later transferred to the Fire Department, where he helped establish North Carolina’s first Swift Water Rescue units, saving countless lives through his unwavering commitment to helping others.

A longtime member of Knap of Reeds Masonic Lodge #158 and the Amran Shriners for 35 years, Charles was elected Potentate of the Amran Shriners in 2015. He worked at the Shriners Restaurant at the North Carolina State Fair for many years, where he was known for his barbecues and hot, spicy sauce. Through his active involvement with the Shriners, he raised funds for Shriners Children’s Hospitals and received the Hall of Fame Shrine Bowl of Carolinas Award.

Charles was a strong-willed and consummate professional who mentored many throughout his life. His blend of seriousness and prankster humor earned the respect and admiration of those around him. Above all, he was a loving husband and devoted father who taught his daughter to fight harder, to hope, to pray, to endure hardship, to love deeply, to be tough, and to cherish family. He touched countless lives and lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Deborah Britt; daughter, Tammy Britt and her dog Bob Barker; sister, Jeanne Adcock and her husband Ricky; fur babies Abbie and Maggie Mae; and many other loving family members and friends.