Charles Martin Efird

Pastor Charles Martin Efird, 92, of Harrisburg went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 4, 2026.

Charles was born on March 4, 1934, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. He was in the first graduating class of A. L. Brown High School, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, in 1952. He was a 1956 graduate of Davidson College and a1959 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary. While at Columbia he met his future wife Kathy on a blind date and later began their 66 years of marriage and ministry. Charles began his ministry at the First Presbyterian Church in Thomasville, Georgia, where his son Martin was born. Their ministry brought them to Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to Harrisburg Presbyterian Church in 1961. They added three more children Robert, Christy and Joy. Charles was called as pastor of the Covenant Church of  Harrisburg in 1977.

Charles served Jesus as an active pastor for 40 years and continued to serve Him as a retired pastor for 27 years. He ministered to many churches and people wherever he went. His ministry led him to serve not only his congregation, but to serve in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, and his community. He served on the Salvation Army Board of Cabarrus County and also organized the Christmas Red Kettle volunteers in Harrisburg for many years. His favorite scripture was Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” By this verse he lived and now has gained Heaven. His heart’s desire and fervent prayer was that everyone turn from their rebellion against God, receive Jesus as their Savior, and let Jesus use them to further His ministry.

Those who cherish his memory are his son Robert, daughter Christy and husband Mike Coley, daughter-in-law Kim Efird, son-in-law Rev. Erron Hubbell and wife Amy, sister Jean Efird Bost and husband Darrell, granddaughter Erin Efird Deaton and husband Andrew Deaton, grandson Daniel Efird, grandson Jacob Coley, granddaughter Jordan Coley McAulay and husband Rev. Boone McAulay, grandsons Charlie Hubbell and Noah Hubbell and granddaughter Emily Hubbell, great-grandchildren Cadence and Walker Deaton, and Delia, Eliza and Clara McAulay. Charles is known to his family as Gran, a name given to him by his grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his cherished wife Kathy Efird, his blessed children Martin Efird and Joy Efird Hubbell, and his brothers R. Don Efird and J. Phil Efird.

Charles’ Going Home to Glory Service will be held at the Covenant Church of Harrisburg on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am. The family will greet friends at the church at 9:30am.(6900 Hickory Ridge Road, Harrisburg, NC)

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Gideons International, The Salvation Army or Samaritan’s Purse.