Charles "Charlie" Britt

Charles E. Britt, 76, of Durham, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Durham, NC on June 13, 1949 to the late Henry and Betty Britt.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Britt.

Mr. Britt married the love of his life, Deborah Gardner on March 6, 1970. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and in the United States Army and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

Charles was a Public Safety Officer and a Firefighter for the City of Durham for a total of 32 years, until his retirement as Fire Captain in 2004. During his long career as a Public Safety Sargent, he was one of the first undercover officers in Durham. After transferring to the Durham Fire Department,0 he helped start the first Swift Water Rescue units in North Carolina saving countless lives. His passion to help people was lived every day.

Mr. Britt was also a longtime member of Knap of Reeds Masonic Lodge #158 and the Amran Shriners for 35 years. In 2015, he was elected Potentate of Amran Shriners. He worked at the Shriner’s Restaurant at NC State Fair for many years. Charles was known for his Bar-B-Que and his hot and spicy sauce. Over the years he helped raise money for the Shriner Children’s Hospitals and was active with the Shriners until he passed away. Charles also received the Hall of Fame Shrine Bowl of Carolinas Award.

Charles was a strong-willed, and consummate professional, who led and mentored so many wonderful people over the years. His balance of seriousness and his prankster sense of humor made him the man people would look up to.

Mr. Britt was a loving and wonderful husband and taught his daughter to fight a little harder, to hope, to pray, to fail, how to get through hard things, how to love, be tough and that family is very important. Charles will be missed by so many people.  He touched countless lives and he certainly lived life to the fullest.

Mr. Britt 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 other loving family members and friends.

A memorial service with military honors and Masonic rites will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. The service will be officiated by Chaplain Phil Wiggins.

The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 1:00 P.M

Flowers are acceptable or donations may be made to Triangle Shrine Club PO Box 11705 Durham, NC 27703.