Franklin County Community Remembers Beloved Leader and Former Delegate Charles Poindexter

Poindexter, who served over a decade in the Virginia House of Delegates, was remembered for his public service and deep ties to the local community.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Charles 'Charlie' Douglas Poindexter, a longtime Franklin County resident and former Virginia state delegate, passed away on February 4 at the age of 83. Poindexter was remembered by the community for his decades of public service, his work in the defense industry, and his deep roots in the Glade Hill area where he farmed, preserved his family's historic home, and spent time with his beloved grandchildren.

Why it matters

Poindexter's passing marks the end of an era for Franklin County, as he was a well-respected figure who dedicated much of his life to serving the local community through elected office, community leadership roles, and his lifelong connections to the area.

The details

After growing up in Franklin County and earning a math degree, Poindexter spent over 30 years working in the defense industry, developing critical computer systems for the U.S. Air Force. In retirement, he returned to Glade Hill where he farmed, preserved his family's historic home, and became known for his mechanical skills, gardening, and hunting with his foxhounds. Poindexter later entered public service, spending eight years on the Franklin County Board of Supervisors and over a decade in the Virginia House of Delegates.

  • Poindexter passed away on February 4, 2026 at the age of 83.
  • Poindexter served in the Virginia House of Delegates for over a decade.

The players

Charles 'Charlie' Douglas Poindexter

A longtime Franklin County resident who served over a decade in the Virginia House of Delegates and was remembered for his public service, work in the defense industry, and deep ties to the local Glade Hill community.

Melvin Adams

A colleague and friend of Poindexter.

Virgil Goode

A friend of Poindexter who served with him in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Walker Mitchell

Poindexter's eldest grandson, who described him as more of a father than a grandparent.

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What they’re saying

“When Charlie spoke, everybody paid attention.”

— Melvin Adams, Colleague and friend of Poindexter (wset.com)

“We would sit there and talk and laugh together, and he was such a part of community.”

— Melvin Adams, Colleague and friend of Poindexter (wset.com)

“I've known Charlie for over 65 years. He was in the Virginia House of Delegates for over a decade, and was instrumental on a number of measures that benefited not just this area, but the entire state.”

— Virgil Goode, Friend of Poindexter (wset.com)

“My favorite childhood memories of him outside of work would be us tinkering on old trucks, vintage Cadillacs and John Deere tractors at the shop. He would come pick me up at about 9 o'clock in the morning, and we would either go do farm things, go do car things, go do political things.”

— Walker Mitchell, Poindexter's eldest grandson (wset.com)

“He died peacefully at home. He laid down to take an afternoon nap with a new pillow and a flannel blanket, and he just didn't get back up. And I hope that we're all that lucky.”

— Walker Mitchell, Poindexter's eldest grandson (wset.com)

The takeaway

Poindexter's life and legacy serve as a testament to the importance of public service, community engagement, and passing on values to future generations. His passing is a significant loss for Franklin County, but his impact will continue to be felt through the many lives he touched over his decades of dedicated service.