Charlie is survived by his wife Paula Simmons Waggoner, and siblings Janie Waggoner and James Waggoner. He was preceded in death by his parents Buford and Lodeena Waggoner, and by his first wife Debborah Harvey Waggoner. Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends-like-family will miss his wit, warmth, wisdom, and servant spirit.
Colon cancer took this tough-as-nails wise man after a 13-year battle. Never defined by this struggle, Charlie continued over the years to contribute professionally and to vigorously pursue varied interests. A generous man, Charlie was known for hauling a ball of MSU cheese through the halls of UAB Hospital or MD Anderson to present to his current favorite surgeon.
Ever the creative scientist, he could be spotted developing his own large format black and white photos, or at the lathe turning a bowl typically as a gift. The joy of chasing deer, hunting squirrels with his dad, walking back home through the woods at sunset, all spoke to him of his God. He recognized that “fishing didn’t solve any problems, but it sure pushed ‘em back so you could get a good look at ‘em.”
Verified as “bleeding maroon,” Charlie was Mississippi State to the core, and grew up on one of MSU’s vast experiment stations, run by his agronomist dad. After graduation from East Central Community College in Decatur, MS, Charlie earned his B.S. in Biochemistry, his M.S. in Biochemistry, and his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, all at Mississippi State University.
While at ECCC Charlie met and later married Debbie Harvey in 1973. God forged a strong loving union through life and health issues. After years in Starkville, they moved to Chattanooga, TN, where he led the establishment for Chattanooga State of the division of environmental science and technology. This division included chemical technology, industrial hygiene, fire science, industrial safety and health physics technology.
After Debbie died in 1995, Charlie returned to Mississippi State in 1997, where he served in various capacities and led research activities at Institute for Clean Energy Technology from 2005 to 2020. He led graduate research, served on graduate committees, and retired in 2020 with the rank of Research Professor and Director Emeritus of ICET.
After 17 years of being alone after Debbie’s death, at the ripe old age of 60, Charlie was pleasantly stunned at God’s love match for him with Paula. They enjoyed 14 richly blessed years together as God stretched each of them in their dependence on Him for every breath.
Professionally, Charlie’s technical contributions to improve public health and safety from nuclear facilities worldwide were significant and worthy of several notable awards. His over 30 years of consulting and support to the US Department of Energy resulted in being recognized by DOE management with the Distinguished Career Service Award in 2021, which is presented only in unusual circumstances. He supported international standards by serving in a volunteer capacity on the ASME Committee on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment for over 20 years, and he was awarded the ASME Outstanding Service Medal in 2025.
Charlie’s support to the annual Waste Management Conference as a session leader and contributor were recognized worldwide. His work at Mississippi State University in various technical and management roles, including retiring as Director of the Institute for Clean Energy Technology, resulted in this organization now being the world-recognized center of excellence for nuclear air cleaning research and development. He was well-respected by his peers and provided valuable and meaningful mentorship to several upcoming engineers.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at 2:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home in Louisville, MS, with visitation from 12 noon until the service time. Interment will be at Clifton Community Cemetery in Scott County, MS.