Charles (Charlie) DeVane

Charles "Charlie" Wayne DeVane Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 30, 2024. He was 80 years old and born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Charlie moved to Quitman, GA at age 4. 

A graduate of Brooks County High School and Valdosta State College, Charlie and his wife Linda have lived on the Brooks County farmland that has been in his family since 1845. 

Charlie has been an active South Georgia community member for the entirety of his life. After working with the family business, DeVane Paving Company, he then went on to become a tireless entrepreneur, opening the much-loved Burger Barn in Quitman, GA. He later started C & W Water Systems, a community water system management company, as well as C & W Rental Properties. Charlie however found his biggest calling through his involvement in animal rescue. After being introduced to a rescue organization through a family friend, Charlie took the baton and ran with it. He was deeply involved with The Humane Society of Georgia, the Georgia Pet Coalition, the Brooks County Area Rescue Club, as well as countless animal shelters and rescue organizations, including BARC, which he founded. His love for animals knew no end. Additionally, Charlie took up the flag advocating to state governments for better animal welfare laws. In 2023, Charlie was honored by the Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals with the first ever Charles DeVane Award of Distinction for his leadership in animal rescue work. He was also honored with a Charles DeVane day by the Lowndes County Commission. 

Charlie is preceded in death by his father, Audley Wayne DeVane, mother Celina Bianchi DeVane, and brother Richard “Dicky” DeVane. He is survived by his wife Linda Jones DeVane, daughter Melanie Charis DeVane, of Tampa, FL, son Charles Wayne DeVane, Jr. (Catherine) of Franklin, TN, sister Margaret Emma Norton (Ken) of Kingsland, GA and Michael David DeVane (Ann Elizabeth) of Savannah, GA, as well as much loved bonus son, Cesar Menjibar (Kelley) of Valdosta, GA. 

He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth Earles, Jackson Bennett Earles, Lula Reese DeVane, Thomas Wayne DeVane, and Elyse Marie Menjibar, who lovingly called Charlie “Dodo”. 

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4-6pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to your local animal rescue group in Charles DeVane's memory.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home