Rev. Sullivan Sullivan Obituary

Rev. Charles Frederick Sullivan, 77, passed from this life to his heavenly reward on July 5, 2025, in Salem, Ohio, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on September 30, 1947, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Reubin and Eva (Wilkinson) Sullivan. He is survived by his college sweetheart, Cheryl L. (Shorts) Sullivan, whom he married on July 21, 1967. They became true soulmates, and she was his devoted caregiver for the past 11 years. To their union were born two daughters who also survive, Sandra (Stanley) Grabill and Sheila (Sherwood) Johnstone. Charles was a beloved Papa to six grandchildren: Denver (Brittany) Grabill, Heidi (John Mark) Forsee, Brooke Johnstone, Daniel Johnstone, Kaitlyn Johnstone, and Jenna Grabill and a Great Papa to Jaxson Grabill and little sister soon to be born. He is also survived by a sister, Freddie Ruth Ball. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Clark and Sarah Adorni.

Charles became a Christian at 15 years of age and served God faithfully throughout his life. He graduated from the high school department of Hobe Sound Bible Institute (currently Hobe Sound Bible College and Christian Academy), Hobe Sound, Florida, in 1965 and then with a Bachelors Degree in 1970. He became an ordained minister in 1980 and at the time of his passing held his credentials with the Southern Bible Methodist Connection of Churches. He pastored churches in Columbia, South Carolina, and Selma, Alabama. He also ministered in various capacities in Cooperstown, Pennsylvania; Beach City, Ohio; and Salem, Ohio. In 2012 he retired due to health issues and moved to Salem, Ohio, where he became active in the Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Charles spent 26 years teaching in private Christian schools. He had a special way of understanding, connecting with, and counseling teenagers and had a significant impact on the lives of many children and youth. It is also noteworthy that he had great respect for the elderly and took time to listen and care for their practical concerns. He lived with purpose and conviction and was actively interested in people and their needs right up to the day of his death. At various times he worked jobs in drywall finishing, roofing, painting, and commercial carpet cleaning.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church, located at 1095 Newgarden Avenue, Salem, Ohio. There will also be visitation at the church on Saturday, beginning at 9:00 am, with the funeral service at 10:30 am. A committal service will follow at the Damascus Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Doug Eads, Rev. Joseph Smith, Rev. Stanley Grabill, Rev. Sherwood Johnstone, and Pastor Devan Gray. The funeral will be livestreamed by the church on their Facebook page and salemwmchurch.org. Friends and family may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.BrownFHonline.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Salem Chapel (330) 337-6363.

The family would like to express appreciation to the following medical teams for their excellent care: Dr. Dean Economous, Fresenius Kidney Care, the Oncology Unit at Salem Regional Medical Center, Blossom Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Buckeye Hospice.