Captain Charles W. Hargrave

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of NNOA member and past historian, Captain Charles W. Hargrave.

Captain Hargrave, affectionately known as “C.W.,” passed away peacefully at home in Southwest Washington, DC, on Friday morning, July 5, 2024, at the age of 95.

Born in Dandridge, Tennessee, Charles was the only son of Lectia Snapp Hargrave and Reverend Walter Clarence Hargrave. He completed high school at Swift Memorial College, where his father served as president from 1936 to 1941. His experiences at Swift, a historically black college, profoundly shaped his commitment to higher education for black Americans and his lifelong support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Charles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in 1949, where he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Rho Chapter) in 1946. He later obtained a master’s degree in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

A dedicated alumnus, Charles served as President of the JCSU DC Alumni Chapter and held various positions in the JCSU National Alumni Association, including 1st Vice President, Treasurer, and Chaplain. He remained a steadfast supporter of the Golden Bulls, attending graduations, homecomings, and sporting events throughout his life.

Charles’s life was marked by leadership and community service, inspired by his parents and educational experiences. He served honorably in the U.S. Military, including a role as Health Physicist at the Army Chemical Center and as Commanding Officer.

Charles William Hargrave’s legacy of dedication to education, community service, and leadership will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.