Charles Patrick

Charles was born in Camp Hill, Alabama, on October 21, 1918. The second oldest of five, he attended Industrial High School (renamed Parker High School) in Birmingham, Alabama. He married Rutha M. Robins on October 11, 1946. Charles was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. After serving his country, he returned to Birmingham where he worked at Avondale Mills and later American Cast Iron & Pipe Company (ACIPCO). In 1955, he relocated to Los Angeles, California where he joined Freewill Missionary Baptist Church. Charles became a deacon, served as chairman of the trustee board, and was the leader of the Teen Post (an organization designed to support boys as they moved from the teenage years into adulthood). After various jobs, he took a position with the United States Post Office where he stayed until he retired. In 1984, he and Rutha moved back to Birmingham, Alabama. In 2011 Charles and Rutha relocated to Houston, Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

It was in Birmingham, 1954, where Charles gained renown for his legendary, brave stand against a corrupt system of jurisprudence. His actions nearly cost him his life, but ultimately provided an early platform for the Civil Rights Movement that followed. His story is chronicled in the book, Speak Truth to Power, the Story of Charles Patrick, a Civil Rights Pioneer. In 2011, Mr. Patrick received the “Open Door Award” from the April 4th Foundation, established to mark the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and awarded to individuals who have made unprecedented contributions in the furtherance of civil rights.

Charles was preceded in death by his son Carl Patrick, daughters Rutha M. Patrick, and Elizabeth Johnson, and grandsons Jason C. Patrick, and Keithon Johnson.

Left to celebrate his life is his wife Rutha Patrick, four sons – Fredrick P. (Rebecca) Simmons, Charles (Gwendolyn) Patrick, Larry B. (Amy) Patrick, and Gregg Patrick; five daughters – Jo Ann Patrick Tolbert, Dr. Christine (Andrell) Wallace, Marydeane (Richard) Griffin, Ramona (Gilbert) Wilson, and Mignette Patrick (Joseph) Dorsey. One adopted son – Stephen Mc Glover; sixty-six Grandchildren; forty-nine Great-grandchildren; three Great-great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

There will be a visitation from eleven o'clock until two o'clock in the afternoon, the 1st of November 2014, Saturday, at Southwest Community Christian Center, The Bridge, 14880 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas, 77083. He will be interred at the Houston National Cemetery following funeral services at eleven o'clock in the morning, Monday, the 3rd of November 2014, also at Southwest Community Christian Center, The Bridge.

In honor of "Charles Patrick," send customary remembrances or memorial contributions to Southwest Community Christian Center, The Bridge, 14880 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas, 77083.