Charles Leroy Jefferis, loved motorcycles, boating

Charles Leroy Jefferis, 81, of Lewes, passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Charlie was born in Reading, Pa., Dec. 13, 1942, son of the late Leroy and Verna Jefferis. He graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in 1960 and then served in the U.S. Navy. After discharge from the Navy, Charlie worked as a truck driver, retiring from Yellow Freight in 2006. 

In his early years, Charlie began his love for motorcycle riding, which continued throughout his lifetime. In addition to his love for motorcycles, he found that being at the beach and being on a boat was his happy place. This led Charlie to become an avid fisherman in Delaware and Hatteras, N.C. His fishing boat, Jitters Fish Factory, was his pride and joy. Whether he was out fishing or just cruising around, Charlie did it as often as he could. In his later years, he could be seen lounging on his pontoon boat on the sandbar with his family and friends. Charlie also enjoyed working in the yard and gardening; he never felt it was a task, but it was something he wanted to do and that always gave him great satisfaction. If there was one thing we could always be sure of, Charlie would be heading south every winter to the Florida Keys and his favorite vacation spot, Key West, where so many memories were made with family and friends.

Even though he had many hobbies and interests, Charlie’s love for his family was most important. He often said how blessed he was to have such caring children. Charlie loved spending time watching his grandchildren at track meets and playing soccer and baseball. Family gatherings were always special; he never wanted to miss any chance to socialize with his family.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Patricia Heist Jefferis; daughters, Donna Jefferis Whitmoyer (Butch), Debbie Jefferis Marchetta (Drew) and Kim Jefferis Linus (Jimmy); grandchildren, Dan Whitmoyer (Allie), Anna Marchetta, Olivia Marchetta and Brent Linus; great-grandchildren, Baxter, Patrick and Samuel Whitmoyer; and many friends who knew to call him by his nickname, “Jitters.” He is predeceased by his parents; and brother, Gerald Jefferis.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Burial will be held privately.

Visit Charlie’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.