Charles “Charlie” Chester Tapley, Jr, 74, of Smithsburg, MD, passed away on Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026 at Meritus Medical Center after a long stay from traumatic injuries.

Born on October 2, 1951 in Norwood, MA, he was the son of the late Charles Chester Tapley, Sr. and Elizabeth May (McNamara) Tapley.

Charlie was a 1969 graduate of Foxboro High School, Foxboro MA, and a veteran of the US Navy serving from 1970 – 1974 on the USS Sierra, a destroyer tender stationed in various ports.

He returned to the job prior to his service time as a sheet metal mechanic in Walpole, MA. Then he moved to Maryland, also working in the sheet metal industry, eventually accepting employment in the state prison system doing locksmithing and maintenance, retiring after more than 30 years of service.

Charlie is survived by this wife, Glenda (Helsley) Tapley; children, Brian M. Tapley (wife, Lisa), Amy J. Tapley (husband, Jason H.), David M. Tapley (wife, Courtney); and grandchildren, Alaina Tapley, Charlie Tapley, Grant Tapley, Cameron Hettenhouser, Noah Rebman, Avery Tapley and Rylee Tapley. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Young (husband, Richard); and many nieces and cousins.

Charlie attracted and made friends instantly everywhere along with a desire to help others, even without being asked. His generosity and heart will be so greatly missed by all that knew him and loved him. One of his greatest interests was being involved with veteran activities, which gave him much pride in his service.

His mechanical and problem-solving talents were always in demand, either by adoring grandchildren delighted to have something fixed, or his own adult children finally getting something figured out.

He will be greatly missed and loved, well beyond his immediate family.

The family will receive friends at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD from 5pm – 7pm on Monday, July 27, 2026. The funeral service will immediately follow at 7pm.

A gathering to share food and remembrance for Charlie will follow immediately after the service at the Williamsport Red Men’s Lodge, 16129 Lapland Rd., Williamsport, MD.

Cremation and burial will be scheduled at a later date.