• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Trimmer Charles William Fife Dies at 88

January 14, 2026 By Nadeem Muaddi

The Hog Ring - Trimmer Charles William Fife Dies at 88

Trimmer Charles William Fife, Sr., who was known to friends and family as “Bill,” has died at age 88.

Bill was born on December 21, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He worked at General Motors, where he learned the craft of auto upholstery. Later, he worked for auto shops and eventually opened his own business in California.

“He loved working and restoring vintage cars and customizing vehicles which he did for several well-known celebrities,” his obituary says. “He had numerous articles written about his work and won several trophies which were proudly on display.”

In his free time, Bill enjoyed spending time with friends and family, dirt bike riding in the Mojave Desert, and fostering stray animals.

Sadly, Bill died on December 28, 2025. He is survived by his wife Janise; son Charles William Fife, Jr.; Steven Thomas Fife; Geketa Madeline; stepchildren, Richard, Jim and Carol Tillitt from a previous marriage and Stephen, Sandy, Kathy, Tom, John and Robin from his current marriage to Janise. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

“To all that knew him, he will be missed. His friends, in both dirt biking and custom auto, will miss his quick wit and kindness. He had a huge heart, loved his family, and never hesitated to help anyone in need,” his obituary adds.

May he Rest in Peace.

Filed Under: Archive, Obituary Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

[the_ad id="15589"]
[the_ad id="27915"]
[the_ad_group id="1581"]

THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Design Studio

Design Studio: 1955-57 Chevy

The Hog Ring Design Studio is a growing … [more] about Design Studio: 1955-57 Chevy

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Classic Volkswagen Beetle Door Panel

Design Studio: VW Beetle Door Panel

Last month, we introduced two illustrations … [more] about Design Studio: VW Beetle Door Panel

The Hog Ring - Heres Where to Find Owners Manuals for Classic Cars

Where to Find the Owner’s Manual for a Classic Car

Are you restoring a classic car and need the … [more] about Where to Find the Owner’s Manual for a Classic Car

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Vinyl Top Bubble

Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

Customers come to me all the time inquiring … [more] about Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

5 Celebrities Who Can Upholster

Great upholsterers are creative free … [more] about 5 Celebrities Who Can Upholster

6 Ways to Transform Plastic into Chrome

Leather and chrome have adorned car interiors … [more] about 6 Ways to Transform Plastic into Chrome

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • WyoTech Taps Dominic Olson for Upholstery Program, Installs New NC Machines
  • MasterTech Expo 2026 Draws Global Crowd and Raises the Bar Again
  • Free SEMA Webinar: How to Start Your Own Auto Shop
  • NC Carpet Binding Teases New Bespoke Carpet Edgings Line
  • Register for SEMA’s 2026 Professional Development Program

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in