Jeffress, Charles Osborne, 1915-1989

Charles Osborne Jeffress, journalist and publisher or Greensboro, N.C.

Charles Osborne Jeffress was born in Greensboro, N.C., in 1915, the son of E. B. Jeffress, general manager and president of the Greensboro News Publishing Company, which owned the Greensboro Daily News, the Greensboro Record, and WFMY-TV. Charles Osborne Jeffress, known as Carl, was graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1938 with a degree in economics. He spent four years in the United States Army, serving in the Public Relations Office at Fort Bragg, N.C.

After World War II, Jeffress's career began in earnest. He started working as a reporter for the Greensboro Daily News and soon graduated to the copy desk. He then spent several years at the Daily News 's Washington Bureau. Returning to Greensboro, he became editorial supervisor at the Daily News, then, in 1950, general manager of the Greensboro News Publishing Company. In 1965, he became publisher. Jeffress was also active in the growth of television, being instrumental in bringing live television to North Carolina on WFMY-TV, which was owned by the Greensboro News Publishing Company.

Jeffress was also extremely active in his community. He spent nine years on the Greensboro Planning and Zoning Board, eight of those years as chair. He was president of the board of directors of the Wesley Long Community Hospital, president of the Greensboro Tuberculosis Association, and chair of the state Christmas seal campaign and other charitable efforts.

He taught journalism at Elon College and was an active member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Jeffress, who served as president of the North Carolina Press Association, received many awards during his lifetime, including the Edward R. Murrow Award and the National Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jeffress was married to Emma Sharpe Avery Jeffress. He died 25 August 1989.