Charles Hewes

Charles Hewes, age 83, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Charley was born on April 3, 1941, in Gulfport to William Gardner Hewes, Sr. and Janie May Hewes. He was a lifelong resident of Gulfport and graduated from Gulfport High School and Mississippi State University. Charley was deeply involved in his community, being an active member of the Catholic Church and the Kiwanis Club.

Charley was preceded in death by his parents, William Gardner Hewes, Sr. and Janie May Hewes, and his brother, William Gardner Hewes, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Henrianne Dorsey Hewes; son, Henry Hewes (Karen); his beloved dog, Maisy Hewes; and his brother, Francis Andrew Hewes (Sara). Charley is also survived by his nephews, Billy Hewes (Paula), Charles Hewes (Dane), Michael Hewes (Kay), Franklin Pridgen (Amy), and Windham Pridgen (Tara); nieces, Joanna Jorge Willars and Clare Bennett (Jason); sister-in-law, Virginia Dorsey Pridgen; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Charley had a passion for Mississippi State University athletics and enjoyed watching old westerns and sports with his brother Billy.

After graduating from Mississippi State University, Charley was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served as an armor officer and was honorably discharged. Following his service, Charley began his career in retail at Saenger Harris in Dallas, TX. In 1969, Charley and his brother Billy returned to Gulfport to open Hewes Brothers Department Store in Downtown Gulfport. After his time in the haberdashery business, Charley transitioned to financial services in 1981, where he worked with many wonderful colleagues, including his longtime manager, Doug Medley. Charley ultimately ended his career at Hewes Wealth Management where he enjoyed working with clients he had for many decades.

Charley's family and friends will remember him for his unwavering support of many charities and for his genuine kindness—he never met a stranger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church. Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until Mass. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15TH Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Charles Hewes.