Dr. Charles Shih Yu

Dr. Charles Shih Yu, born on June 1, 1953, in Tainan, Taiwan, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a dedicated optometrist, military veteran, and cherished family man.

Dr. Yu honorably served in the United States Army for approximately four years and continued his service with the Air Force for around sixteen years, culminating in his retirement in January 2004 as an officer holding the rank of Major (O-4). Following his military career, he pursued his passion for vision care, establishing “Expert Eye Care Inc” in collaboration with Walmart. His impactful contributions included being a pivotal figure in the creation of Walmart's Health division in Georgia, and he remained active in his profession until officially retiring in February 2023.

Beyond his accomplishment in optometry, Dr. Yu was known for his vivacious spirit and infectious positivity. He was always full of life, known for his warm smile, love for sharing jokes, and an unwavering enthusiasm for finding a good deal. His commitment to serving others was evident through his volunteer work, which involved providing eye exams for individuals in need, showcasing his compassionate nature.

Dr. Yu was a proud member of several associations including Lions Club International, the Taiwanese Veteran’s Association in Atlanta, and the American Optometric Association/GA Optometric Association. His educational journey took him to the University of Illinois-Chicago where he acquired a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, followed by studies at the New England College of Optometry.

Charles had a variety of hobbies and interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He had a passion for Carnival Cruising, setting ambitious goals such as achieving diamond status. He cherished attending home and away games for the Atlanta Falcons football team and frequently supported the Atlanta United soccer team at home games. His interest in the stock market reflected his desire for continuous learning, while camping in his RV at Georgia State parks allowed him to connect with nature. Dr. Yu’s active lifestyle included daily visits to LA Fitness, light hiking, and even hunting white-tailed deer with his son. He enjoyed being an extra in films, where he appeared in productions such as "Change Up,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and the “Anchorman 2” blooper reel. Additionally, he and his wife Anne enjoyed ballroom dancing together, which added a special dimension to their bond.

In his younger years, Dr. Yu fondly recalled playing tennis with his siblings—Christopher, Christine, and Charlotte—and drafted countless joyful memories from fishing, riding motorcycles, and playing Bridge with his older brother.

Dr. Yu is survived by his beloved wife, Anne Yu; children Brian, Melissa, and Caitlyn Yu; and cherished memories of his parents, Martin Yu and Jean Lin, who preceded him in death.

He will be honored at a visitation on June 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service that will commence at 12:00 PM at Grace Community Church, located at 7770 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188. His burial will take place at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA, beginning at 2:30 PM.

Dr. Charles Shih Yu’s dynamic spirit, dedication to family, and commitment to his community will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.