Updates From Arrowhead
May 8, 2026
The Passing of A Beloved Friend
It is with a heavy heart that I share with everyone the news that Charles Coggins has passed away. There is much that could be said about Charles and the man he is, but words often fall short of great men. I will try my best all the same.
Charles built the camp many of us younger invididuals know as Arrowhead by hand and he held it together for over twenty five years with those hands. It's not the work his hands did that we will miss. It is the handshakes of his that a lot of times turned into hugs that we will miss. It is the work that he did with his love, smile and laughter that we will miss. In my eight years at camp, I can say Charles did more for the fellowship and brotherhood at Arrowhead than anyone else.
That heavy heart I mentioned earlier, it is just a temporary thing. To remember Charles is to remember a good man, so do so often, for a simple thought of such a life can lift the heaviest of hearts. Just like we sang at the end of of every council fire:
"Let us pledge each other that we'll keep,
all our memories fond and deep,
till we meet again."
-Justin
Here is a copy of Charles's Obituary:
Charles Douglas Coggins, age 69 of Zirconia was called home by Jesus on Monday, May 2nd, 2016 at his residence following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a son of the late, Robert and Corrie Morgan Coggins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Lonnie and Donald Coggins; and his granddaughter, Raya Nelson.
A native of Henderson County; Charles graduated from East Henderson High School and proudly served during Vietnam from 1964 until 1967 in the United States Army. He was a member of Gap Creek Baptist Church in Marietta, South Carolina where he enjoyed his Sunday School Class. He was employed and was a fixture at Camp Arrowhead for Boys for over 25 years where he loved not only the staff, but all of the children as well. He loved spending time with his family; he was a helpful friend to all.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, who he married on February 23rd, 1967, Renaye Staton Coggins; three children: Leray Coggins, Katrina Connor and husband, Rodney, and Charlene McCall and husband, Billy; seven grandchildren: Amber, Sawyer, and Matison Coggins, Kori and Samara Connor, and Luke and Sara McCall; three great-granddaughters, Lexi, Aubrey, and Jeanna; and two brothers, Gerald Coggins and wife, Joyce and Dexter Coggins and wife, Bonnie.
A Message from Jim and Judy Frady:
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Arrowhead family for ten years of rewardingfriendships that will last forever. Due to age and health issues, including a heart attack, massive stroke, paralysis and a blood clot to the brain, physicians have mandated removing ourselves from the duties of operating and managing the camp. We have no choice.
Once we know the future of Camp Arrowhead and the property, the information will be posted. Thanks to each of you for what you have meant to us and Camp Arrowhead. We will maintain the Arrowhead website as a means of continued communication.