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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  • January 04, 2023
    Jason Miles says:
    I spent my formative years at the True Value. I learned so many things about home improvement, and that “everyone knows Charles”. But I learned even more in leadership, treating people right, caring for the public. If you ask my wife some of his meticulousness may have rubbed off too. That decade plus in Woodcroft has lead me to a lifetime in healthcare. I cannot say thank you enough to Charles and the DeBruyne family. Nancy, Bart, and Lisa love you guys. I know Charles is in a better place, and he has left so, so many memories for everyone, until we see him again

  • January 04, 2023
    Ed Giunco says:
    I always enjoyed my interactions and discussions with Charles about business and family. Please pass along my deepest sympathies to your Mom and Sister. 🙏🙏🙏 Sincerely Ed Giunco Benjamin Moore Paints

  • January 04, 2023
    James Mason says:
    I luv you Charlie. RIP

  • January 04, 2023
    Guy Whilden says:
    Charles was my first boss. He was always so nice to me. Being 16 years old and new to working, he would often give me advice. I didn’t think much about it back then but the older I got the more I realized how great the advice he gave me was. I wish I had told him that.

  • January 04, 2023
    Robert Brame says:
    Bart and Lisa, so sorry about your Dad. So many fond memories of your family. No doubt, he maintained the best grass in Hope Valley! prayers to all of you!