Charles Bartel deBruyne

May 30, 1948 - December 30, 2022
Charles Bartel deBruyne

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Charles Bartel deBruyne, 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2022, at his home
after a long, valiant battle with Alexander’s Disease. He was born on May 30, 1948, in Durham,
North Carolina, the son of Daisy Burchette deBruyne and Anton Locker deBruyne. He was a
1966 graduate of Durham High School and a 1971 graduate of the UNC School of Pharmacy.
He and his fraternity brothers were instrumental in raising the funds for the construction of the
new Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity house in 1970. Charles, a pharmacist, co-owned
Triangle Pharmacy and True Value Hardware until his retirement in 2011.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Anton Locker deBruyne, Jr. He is
survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Cozart deBruyne; son, Bartel Locker deBruyne, both of
Wilmington; daughter Lisa deBruyne Wright (Aaron); grandchildren Peyton, Cole and Lyndon
Wright, all of Raleigh; sisters Carol deBruyne Clark of Raleigh and Dorothy deBruyne of
Morgantown, West Virginia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Charlie was well-known for being meticulous. He had a perfectly groomed yard with straight
mowed lines, and he always had shiny, clean, waxed cars. He loved to be active; he biked miles
and miles all over NC and paced Kure Beach for sharks’ teeth. He had a passion for being on the
water whether he was fishing with buddies or pulling the grandchildren around in a tube. Every
evening, Charlie would stop and embrace the sunset and all of its glory over the Cape Fear
River. He cherished his relationships with his friends, neighbors, and customers. Above all, his
greatest pride was his family. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
There will be a private celebration of his life in the spring. Gifts may be made online to the Kappa
Psi Educational Enhancement and Renovation Endowment Fund (474564)
here: http://give.unc.edu/donate?f=474564&p=phar . Gifts may also be made by mailing a check payable

to “UNC Pharmacy Foundation” to 194 Finley Golf Course Rd, Ste 106, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. Please note
“In memory of Charles deBruyne” in the memo line.


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  • May 08, 2023
    Michael Barnes says:
    Charles deBruyne was a classmate at Durham High School, and one of my favorite people. He always had a smile on his face. I always looked forward to going into his hardware store, which I tried to do whenever I was in the neighborhood. I always knew, whenever I saw him, that right in that moment I had his undivided attention. He always made me feel like I was a special person and I'm sure that everybody who met him felt the same way. I am so sorry to hear of his death. My best wishes to you, Nancy.

  • January 29, 2023
    Steve Richardson says:
    Having spent my life in the hardware business I have met many wonderful people over the years but none as great as Charles. He and Nancy were more than business associates but truly wonderful friends. I’m so saddened but the news of Charles’ passing but am sure he’s resting in peace. My condolences go out to Nancy and Bart who, again, have been friends for many years. Love you guys!

  • January 18, 2023
    Sandra Morgan says:
    Bart and Nancy I am so sorry to hear of Charles’ passing. He will always remain my favorite boss . He had such a kind and caring soul . I will always remember you whistling to find each other in the store . He fought hard and you all took such wonderful care of him. He will be missed by many .

  • January 18, 2023
    Kristi Krawietz Wilson says:
    Bart and Lisa-I am so very sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of a kind. He made me feel like family. I know his beautiful legacy will live on forever through you. Praying for y'all.

  • January 15, 2023
    Funda says:
    Uncle Charles was always so kind and wonderful to all of us, and we will never forget his warmth and generosity. Jason and I will especially remember the boat tour he gave us during our trip to Wilmington, it was such a wonderful experience and it will always be a cherished memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy, Liz and Bart and the whole family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Uncle Charles.