Charles Grow

Charles Grow was born on March 30, 1964, and joined the angels including his son-in-law 1stLt Matt Davis and mother-in-love Alice Perry, on July 29, 2026, after a fierce fight with renal cancer.

After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1982, Grow served as a combat photographer and graphics specialist, later commissioning as an officer and serving over 21 years before retiring as a Captain in 2003. His assignments took him around the world, documenting Marines during operations including Desert Storm, Somalia, Haiti, and Afghanistan. Through his artwork, he captured not only the events of history but also the resilience, sacrifice, and humanity of the Marines he served alongside.

Following his retirement from active duty, Captain Grow dedicated nearly two decades to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where he served as Curator of Art and Deputy Director. For more than a year, he also served as Director of the museum, leading with the same humility, wisdom, and passion that characterized his entire career. An ardent steward of Marine Corps history, he played a pivotal role in the preservation and expansion of the museum's Combat Art Collection, mentoring future combat artists and helping shape the museum into the institution it is today before retiring from federal service in March 2020. His name is proudly displayed on the plank holder plaque of the museum.

Charles was a simple man, quick to laugh, and loyal. He was a family man, proud pap, career Marine and combat veteran, though he rarely spoke about his service.

Charles was a bit of an introvert, opting to keep his circle of close friends really small. However, he’d give the shirt off of his back to a complete stranger. He often spoke of a greater need for empathy, for people to love one another.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, William Grow, grandparents, a number of uncles, aunts, and cousins, and a long list of Marines.

Charles is survived by the love of his life, Teresa, their daughter Elizabeth (John Lewis), son Paul (Jeanelle), grandchildren Aubrey and Chuck, his mother Margaret, brother Anthony, sister Vanessa, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Carter-Trent Funeral home in Church Hill. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Jeremiah Riner officiating.

Charles’s cremains will be interred at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Charles ask is that donations be directed to the Hunter Seven Foundation, in honor of their unyielding support during his cancer journey.