Obit: Charlie Blythe

Charlie “C.D.” Delano Blythe, a well-known figure in the southern wood products industry, passed away on Sept. 4. He was 74 years old.

According to his obituary, Blythe was employed as softwood sales manager for Coastal Lumber Co. in Weldon, N.C., between 1970 and 1998. During that time, he was responsible for the annual marketing of 140 million board feet of Southern Yellow Pine Lumber, 120 million feet of plywood and 60 million feet of pressure-treated lumber. Working with a staff of 18 lumber traders and associates, Blythe was instrumental in developing a market for these products throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands. 

Blythe also served on the boards of the Florida Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, Florida Wood Council, Southern Forest Products Association and Southern Pine Council.

After retiring in 1998, Blythe moved to Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., and became involved in a number of service and cultural organizations. At the time of his death, he was serving as Mayor Pro Tem for the town of Ocean Isle Beach.

Surviving Blythe is his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Parker Blythe.