It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles King Sewell of Marietta, Georgia, who passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the age of 93. He died at home, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of business innovation, faith, and generosity.
Born in Austell, Georgia, Charles was the son of Henry Lawton Sewell and Carrie Pearl King Sewell. He grew up alongside his two brothers, Joe and Henry, learning early the values of hard work, determination, and family unity. Charles graduated from Austell High School in 1949, where he excelled in both football and basketball, demonstrating the leadership and dedication that would shape his future. He briefly attended Georgia Tech before earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, cum laude, from Piedmont College in 1954, with minors in Science and Physical Education. His early dream of becoming a PE teacher and coach soon led him to the family business, Sewell Dairy Supply, where he began an illustrious career in entrepreneurship.
Charles displayed an extraordinary business acumen from a young age. At 26, he purchased his first company from his uncle, producing wax paper cartons for milk, later merging it into the family business. In 1964, after noticing the potential of the first plastic gallon milk jug, he co-founded Sewell Plastics with his brother Joe. Under his leadership, the company grew to five manufacturing plants serving dairies across the Southeast. In 1976, Charles produced the first 2-liter beverage container for The Coca-Cola Company, cementing his place as a pioneer in the plastics industry. By the time he left the company in 1982, Sewell Plastics had grown to more than $300 million in annual sales.
After a brief hiatus, Charles re-entered the industry in 1985, founding CKS Packaging, which remains one of North America’s largest plastic blow-molding companies today. His innovation, foresight, and leadership earned him numerous accolades, including a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Plastics Engineers in 1984 and induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Charles’s impact extended far beyond business. He was a man of deep faith, devotion to his family, and unwavering generosity. He and his wife Catherine supported more than 50 ministries worldwide, including Mount Paran North Church and Mount Paran Christian School. He coached his children in sports, shared his love of golf and fishing, and dedicated himself to mentoring others in both life and business.
Charles King Sewell is survived by his wife, Catherine, and their five children: Charles Kenneth (Kenny) and Ginger Sewell of Canton, John Robert and Stacey Sewell of Douglasville, William Andrew (Drew) and Kelle Sewell of Marietta, Scott King and Dedra Sewell of Marietta, and Samantha Sewell Stephens and Richy Stephens of Madison. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and four step great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Paran North Church, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta, Georgia. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son – Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia.
Charles King Sewell’s life was defined by vision, leadership, faith, and compassion. He will be remembered as a true pioneer in business, a generous philanthropist, a devoted husband and father, and a mentor and friend to countless individuals. His legacy will continue through his family, the communities he served, and the lives he touched with his generosity, kindness, and innovation. Rest in peace, Charles King Sewell.
