He was born in Minot, North Dakota, and moved with his family to El Segundo, California when he was 1 years old. Charles was one of ten kids born to Kennith McIlroy and Helen (Vadnais) McIlroy. He was the fifth son of eight boys, having two sisters.
McIlroy swam and played waterpolo at El Segundo High School for the legendary coach Uro Saari. after High School. Charles swam and played waterpolo at El Camino Jr Collage before transferring to California State University, Long Beach.
Four years later at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, the United States team was eliminated in the first round. 1964 Olympic tournament. He played three matches. Of special note, Charles's two brothers, Paul McIlroy and Ned McIlroy were also on the 1964 U.S. waterpolo team.
In 2008 at the age of 70, Charles was a member of the Tri Valley Waterpolo Club that competed in the World Masters Waterpolo Tournament in Perth Australia. The team Charles played on, won all eight of their games in the 60+ division, earning them the gold medal in their age group. Charles played in every game.
