While he was a young child, his family relocated to Crosby, Texas. Growing up, Charles loved to fish, play football, and fight. Charles graduated from Charles R. Drew High School in 1968. During this time, Charles became the proud father to Cynthia. Although she didn’t grow up in Houston, their father-daughter bond was spent making memories on visits to Houston, and phone calls.
While in high school, Charles met the love of his life, JoAnn Watson. Although JoAnn was still young, they continued to be friends, and their courtship began after she finished school. Their love was sealed in marriage on July 2, 1970. They were inseparable until her passing on March 8, 2008. During their marriage, they raised their children in a christian home, and supported them in all educational and extra-curricular activities. Once his children were older, he enjoyed the next chapter in his life and role of being “Papa”. He delighted in seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Papa was known for making cakes during their visits and bossing them around.
Charles was a hardworking man. For 10 years, he owned Ram Rod Trucking. He later returned to the Port of Houston as a longshoreman. He worked there until 2015, when a series of health issues forced him to retire.
During his illnesses, Charles rededicated his life to Christ on January 1, 2012. His relationship with God was often seen during the last years of his life. He would often to ask visitors to open the bible to the Psalms 23, and read it aloud, and play soft music, to aide in his healing.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn McFarland, his parents Bessie McFarland and Temple Deberry; Bennie Dunn(brother), Patricia LaCour(sister), Cynthia Deberry (sister), Willie Morris (brother), Jerry Deberry (brother), George Dunn (brother), and great-granddaughter Eryn Kai Miller.
Left to cherish his memories are his children Cynthia, Charles Jr. (Dionne), Ian Sr. (Dionne), and Ivori; 13 grandchildren James, April (Richard), Jasmine, Jessica (Jeremy Sr.), Charles III, Ebone (Floyd), Shaundriqua, Daunte, Ian Jr., Asia, Taniyah, Kristionne, and Jamerson, as well as 13 grandchildren to carry on his legacy. Charles is also survived by 6 siblings Don (Denise), Marva, Donnie, Tracy (Rodney), Vanessa, and Thomas (Sharon), and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
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