Charlie Hobson Dry
1938 – 2024
Charles Hobson Dry was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on October 27, 1938. Raised in small Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Charlie gave his life to the Lord at age 14. He began designing and testing homemade rockets at an early age. His fascination for aeronautics meant only one thing to him – that he would someday work in aviation and space. To this end, he attended Murray State College, East Central University, and the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics.
Charlie continued his education with certified courses at the University of Houston and UCLA. After graduating, Charlie embarked on a distinguished career in aviation and space, starting at the China Lake Naval Ordnance Test Range (NOTS). He designed test concepts and flight analysis systems before being promoted to NOTS Flight Test Engineer, overseeing rigorous manned and unmanned G-force tests.
Subsequently, Charlie joined North American Aviation as a Senior Research Engineer, analysing guidance data for B-52 aircraft and nuclear missiles. His expertise led him to become the Chief Liaison between North American Aviation and the US Air Force. Soon thereafter, Charlie’s talents caught NASA’s attention, and NASA appointed him Senior Scientific Analyst at the Johnson Space Center.
Charlie’s journey took a significant turn when he became a NASA Test Astronaut, a role that would test his courage and determination to the fullest. Tasked with conducting crucial tests on spacesuits and hardware, Charlie’s work was instrumental in ensuring the safety and success of space missions. His bravery was evident as he faced the dangers of spaceflight firsthand, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the field.
From his humble beginnings in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where he met his future wife Anita Bryant Dry at the sweet ages of 9 and 10, to his pioneering work at NASA, Charlie’s story is one of perseverance and achievement.
Beyond his NASA tenure, he flourished as a consultant, public speaker, and writer, leaving an indelible mark on children to dream big dreams. He was everyone’s “Space Pal”.
Despite fighting a courageous battle against cancer, Charlie continued to embrace life with an unbridled passion and great love for his family and friends. His courage, innovation, determination, and love for God, country, life, all animals, and people will continue to live on.
Charlie leaves behind a loving wife of 33 years, Anita; two daughters, Stacy, and Charlee Shae; four stepchildren, Bobby, Gloria, Barbara, and Billy; and ten grandchildren. Charlie is also survived by numerous beloved cousins, and step nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved very much, and hundreds of friends. His spirit will forever live on in their hearts. Charlie’s vibrant personality and the contagious laughter he brought to all will be so very missed yet forever cherished by the lives he touched and by those blessed to know him.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home with family present to greet friends ad guests.
Services will be held Monday, May 6, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Spring Creek Assembly of God in Edmond, Oklahoma. Interment is to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Tishomingo Cemetery in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. To watch the service please use the link below
I love you, Dad, and will miss you more than I have words to express. Until we hug again.
Charlie will be missed greatly, his grin was a permanent look on his face…. He always lifted my spirit when he would come by the dealership
Praying for the family
Charlie was definitely one of a kind. So full of live and love. Chandler and I will miss him dearly.
Ride that rocket to heaven, Charlie. Maybe you can use one the Chickasha youth learned in the program you and I designed for the youth in the Chickasha Nation Aviaton and Space Academy (CNASA). Cheers good buddy until we meet again.
Charlie was a remarkable friend that could be best compared to a grandfather to me. He always brightened the room with his friendliness, and always made me laugh with his humor. No one should ever forget how his hardship in the cockpit helped lead NASA to touch the stars. He inspired me to reach for the stars and never lose sight of my dreams. Though I only knew him in his twilight, his stardom shined bright. He will forever be remembered for his infectious spirit, boundless determination, and unwavering dedication to exploring the unknown. May his legacy guide us to new heights and serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. Rest in peace, dear friend, because it’s finally time to retire.
Charlie was proud of his “Tish” heritage. We worked several projects together over the years and never missed an opportunity to remember his home town. Loved his enthusiasm for life.
Charlie , my life long friend and buddy ! Never a dull moment … he embodied energy , momentum! Time to relax and rest my dear friend ! you are truly unforgettable
Dr Amil MD
Cardiologist
The great Groucho Marx once said: “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.” Well that was Charlie. Everyone knows it’s best when it’s fun, and there’s an art to finding fun. You can’t just say, ‘Hey, don’t forget to have fun!’ You have to find it, and sometimes it’s hiding. Well Charlie could pluck fun right out of thin air. Oh yeah, Charlie once flew a plane under The Gateway Arch, you know that 630-foot-tall monument in St. Louis, Missouri. Charlie was one in a million. I see you later.
Charlie,
I just found this online…my heart is broken to see this news. I remember nights of shooting billiards and flying down Northwest Expressway in your Corvette and telling tales and exchanging stories at the Waterford Marriott. I still remember when you and Anita invited me to have Thanksgiving with the family while I was stuck in town on business over the holiday. Though I had not seen you in a while, you were still always in my thoughts and in my heart. You and Anita will always have that place reserved for you. Go to the stars, my friend. Go there and continue to be larger than life with that big, generous heart of yours beating in the heavens.
Charlie, you and Anita mean so much to me. Today I found out that you are now in Heaven. My heart is broken. Anita I am so sorry for your loss. He loved you so much!! Stacy I’m so sorry for your loss and that you both found time to spend together. I know how proud he was of you.