Roll Call Tribute

Charles Metz "Charlie" Heald, Jr. 

June 11, 1933 - January 10, 2026 

Charles “Charlie” Metz Heald, Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

Born on June 11, 1933, Charlie lived a full and meaningful life marked by curiosity, service, and a deep devotion to his family. He was a proud member of the Texas A&M University Class of 1957, following in the footsteps of his father, Charles “Papy” Metz Heald, Sr., Class of 1924. That Aggie legacy continued through the generations he loved so dearly—his daughter, Debra Heald Wentworth, Class of 1990; his son-in-law, Aaron Wentworth, Class of 1992; and his grandson, Charles Robert Wentworth, a current student in Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2028.

Charlie shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Carolyn Biard Heald. Married in 1958, their partnership was one of deep affection, mutual respect, and steadfast support. he was preceded in death by Carolyn, whom he missed dearly and with whom he is now reunited.

A lifelong learner and dedicated scientist, Charlie earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry and his Master’s degree in Plant Pathology from Texas A&M University, followed by a PhD in Nematology from Rutgers University. In recognition of his enduring bond with Texas A&M, he was honored with the Golden Circle Certificate of the Sul Ross Group on March 8, 2012.

Charlie devoted 33 years of service to the United States Department of Agriculture, where he served as a Laboratory Director, Research Leader, and Research Scientist in Weslaco, Texas. He later returned to Aggieland as a Research Scientist in Cotton Pathology at Texas A&M. Highly respected in his field, he published more than 100 articles in scientific journals and books, leaving a lasting impact on his field and on those who worked alongside him.

While his professional accomplishments were many, Charlie’s greatest pride and joy was his family. To those who knew and loved him, he was simply the most amazing father, husband, and grandfather—steadfast, gentle, and endlessly supportive. His legacy lives on not only through his scientific contributions but through the generations he inspired and the family he cherished above all else.