Charles Mathis McCool III
August 2, 1964 ~ April 24, 2026
Charles Mathis McCool III, 61, of Reston, Virginia passed away on April 24th, 2026 in the presence of his loving wife after a sudden heart attack.
He was born on August 2nd, 1964 at Torrejon AFB in Spain. He grew up in Miami Florida with his mother and siblings and was a supportive role model and great older brother to his younger sister and brother.
Charles had a brilliant and curious mind from an early age, publishing a mathematical formula in just ninth grade and completing college-level studies through the Deep Accelerated Mathematics Program. He entered the University of Southern California at 16, was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, and earned computer certifications and a BS in Business Administration. He was also an accomplished athlete as a power hitter and lefty pitcher throughout school and college.
While living in California, Charles built a successful career in the early days of the tech industry. There, he met Julie, who would become his partner in life and adventure for 32 amazing years. Inspired by his passion for travel, they left their jobs and traveled for 18 months through Europe, Canada, and the United States before settling in Virginia.
Charles had early travel inspiration as he crossed the Atlantic and United States before turning one. During his life, Charles traveled to six continents, all 50 U.S. states, and more than 40 countries, always seeking new experiences, connections, and fun.
Charles brought that excitement to others, becoming an expert in savvy travel strategies. Through his book “Winning the Airfare Game”, his McCool Travel websites, and through many conferences and online communities, Charles’ love of travel and adventure helped countless others move through the world.
Above all, Charles’ greatest love was his family – especially his wonderful twins, Andrew and Katherine. As a devoted and engaged father, he coached many sports teams, tutored students, co-led the chess club, hosted school gatherings, and was a constant source of guidance, fun, and love for his children.
Charles lived a beautiful life. He walked through life with a sense of adventure, a wonderful sense of humor, and a deep commitment to a joyful life, fully lived. He even coined the term “Funness”, a word that came to embody his life – and the way he inspired others to live theirs.
Charles is survived by his wife, Julie Bingham McCool, of Reston Virginia; his son, Andrew Charles McCool, of Asheville North Carolina; his daughter, Katherine Deborah McCool, of Corvallis Oregon; his mother, Joanne Els McCool, and his sister, Debra McCool, both of Hilliard Florida; and his brother, Michael McCool, of Fort Lauderdale Florida.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Ave., in Reston Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Central Kitchen (wck.org).
Services
Celebration of Life: May 29, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Lake House
11450 Baron Cameron Ave
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 435-6530
https://www.herecomestheguide.com/wedding-venues/virginia/the-lake-house
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Charles Mathis McCool 's name.
World Central Kitchen
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
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Charles was a great guy and I’m honored to have gotten to travel with you both.
What a beautiful tribute to Charles & a beautiful life well lived. I’m thankful to have known him.
Peta
I am honored to have known Charles and his enthusiasm for the travel industry. May he rest in peace and may your family find comfort. My most sincere condolences.
I am so grateful to have known Charles. He truly lit up a room and made everyone feel like a friend. It’s hard to imagine the travel world without him in it. I can’t even fathom what it must be like for his family. Julie, I am sending all my love and support to you as you navigate these rough waters.
Julie our deepest condolences to you, Andrew & Katherine. Sending you all giant hugs & our love.
Julie our deepest condolences to you, Andrew & Katherine. Sending you all giant hugs & our love.
Andrew & Katherine,
We light a blue & a green candle for Charles.
Blue, for being COOL, McCool cool.
And green, for his love of outdoors, nature and all that our planet has to offer to travelers.
He enjoyed exploring it all with you, Julie, so much. His admiration for you has been apparent in all his private remarks about your life together.
Andrew and Katherine, McCool beloved twins,
your Dad understood/supported – and was very proud of the independent paths you have chosen in your lives, following your bliss.
We talked all about it during his brunch visit in North Carolina, at our place.
To my husband, who has never been on any social media, Charles was an instant buddy; they connected, and enjoyed talking to each other during that visit.
No wonder!
Charles genuinely loved life, and people.
Well, it’s almost like stating that the Earth is round.
Kinda of obvious.
This love of his was infectious, in the best possible way.
RECIPROCATED.
People loved Charles.
We all enjoyed his „mile-wide-grin” and positivity.
One last point…
Over the years, we had many travel-related Twitter chat interactions, before it became X, or what it is now.
I loved how Charles’ charisma has been cross-generational.
He was introduced to me by my own daughter via Twitter.
And later, I cherished our public chat interactions.
Warm, welcoming, fun, inclusive, non-judgmental, respectful – like Mr. Super Cool.
I wish we had more human connection facilitators – like Charles – right to now.
Julie, Andrew, Katherine…
Probably it’s best not to say that „we understand your pain”.
As no one possibly can.
Just know, you are not alone.
We gasped, we wept, we rebelled against news of Charles’ untimely passing.
He stays with us.
Love to you all! ❤️❤️❤️
I am so saddened to learn about Charles’s unexpected passing. He was such a light, and I’m grateful that I was able to meet him and see his passion for travel firsthand. During my time as Communications and Engagement Director at Coastal Mississippi, he was a steadfast supporter of The Secret Coast, and he always did his best to promote our beautiful destination. He was a colleague and friend, and those of us who were lucky enough to get to know him in our region will always think of him fondly. He was so kind, smart, funny, and happy to share our little corner of the world with anyone who would listen. You will be missed, Charles, and thank you for always reminding us that fun-ness is essential.