Charles W. English

Charles English Obituary Nineteen twenty-four was a special year, historical figures such as James Baldwin, Dinah Washington, and Shirley Chisholm were born. To us, it is no coincidence that Charles English was also born in that same year. Although not as well, known Charles’ light was just as bright. Charles W. English was born the son of sharecroppers, Novie and Sallie English, in Barney, Georgia. He was the fourth of seven children, who came to be known as the “Magnificent Seven”: Oneal “Cute,” Ovelia “Bebe,” Delia “Deal,” Charles “Bud,” Dorothy “Doll,” Dozier “Dote,” and Vara “Vay,” and his beloved adopted sister Sarah. Novie and Sallie’s children were instantly recognizable by their beautiful skin, high cheekbones, and almond shaped eyes. Novie and Sallie were able to provide their children with a strong foundation built in faith and love that would guide them throughout their lives. Charles and his siblings enjoyed a loving childhood until the untimely death of their father when Charles was twelve years old. As the eldest son, Charles found himself in the position of head of the family. He intuitively adapted to his new role, learning skills such as carpentry, tailoring, farming, and masonry; all of which would help him provide for his family. He did not know that this experience would prepare him for the path that lie ahead. In search of a better future, Charles joined the Great Migration and followed his sister Deal and her husband, Clarence Rhym to Cleveland, Ohio. Not long after, he met and married his first love, Mildred Wenson. They had a loving and caring relationship and were blessed with four children, Curtis “Kurky,” Millicent “Button,” Robert “Bobby,” and David. However, fate stepped in, and at the age of thirty-five, Charles became a widower and single father of four young children. In the midst of this unimaginable loss, Charles was determined to keep his family intact and raise his children together; and he did so with the support of family and friends and the commitment from his children to love and care for each other. No matter how challenging, Charles never saw the responsibility of raising his four children as a burden, in his eyes his children were always a blessing. Charles was committed to ensuring that his children would be armed to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. He instilled in his children his curiosity and love of learning. The fact that all of his children graduated from college brought him great job. Not only was Charles a young, handsome, and charismatic man, the fact that he was a single father of four made him all the more appealing to Delores Ball. She admired and respected his love for his children and his determination to provide them with a loving and stable home. Charles and Delores were wed in 1971. Their bond was special, they lived their lives fully and faithfully. Charles and Delores had many interests, including travel, family gatherings, singing, and fellowshipping at their beloved Fifth Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Charles served as a deacon and was in both the Men’s and Adult Choirs. Charles spent most of his career at Cleveland Range where he worked until his retirement in 1989. To bring additional income to the family he put his skills to use and did various jobs throughout his community as well as in service to his friends and as the maintenance professional for his church. Charles was a man that enjoyed every moment of his 97 years. He often quipped “live while you live, then die and be done with it.” During his illness, Charles valiantly dealt with his ailments, and through all of these challenges Delores was there to ensure that he received the very best care. He made friends wherever he went because of his warm and caring nature. His door was always open to family and friends who affectionately referred to him as dad or pops. The essence of Charles W. English can be summed up in the lyrics of his favorite song If I can Help Somebody. He will be missed and remembered for his quiet strength, his love, and his joy for life by his wife Delores, children Curtis, Millicent (Oscar), Bobby, and David, grandchildren Tony, Tish, Zeke, Delaney, great granddaughter Brooke, sisters in law Yvonne, Joan (David), the Saffold family, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles W. English, please visit our floral store. Read More

Charles W. English

August 27, 1924 - February 14, 2022