Charlie M. Bradshaw

Charlie was born at home near Camden Arkansas on March 5, 1923, to Charlie Richard Bradshaw and Hattie Mae (Crowell) Bradshaw. He was the middle one of nine children: Vernist, Francis, Irene, Vera, Charlie, Morris, Howard, Doris, and James. This family would share loving bonds that extended from this rural farm in Arkansas to the coast of California.

Over the years, Charlie has shared with the family his experiences of farm life and the culture of the 20th century, pre and post depression days. The farm provided children opportunity to appreciate the land and the beauty of nature. Free to roam, play, explore, and find some peace in the sounds of nature in their habitat. But farm life is difficult and became more difficult when Charlie was a teenager due to work and the impact of the depression. Long, long hours were required and Charlie spent them on a huge tractor tilling the cotton and in the barnyard caring for the livestock. He said he spent his hours on the tractor daydreaming of other places and composing poems in his head. His great joy was to leave the farm on Saturdays to go to town and see a “picture show”. To his last days he enjoyed John Wayne movies and especially the westerns. The depression made a lasting impact on Charlie. He would tear up recounting the troubles and hardships of those who came by the farm. He knew that his family was fortunate and no visitor who passed by regardless of background left the farm without being fed. Prejudice was not in his background and acceptance of others was part of his being. As a result of this time Charlie knew the value of a dollar and the importance of being frugal, and saving everything. Occasionally, throughout life he would splurge and it had to be big and the latest, a big Nash in 1945, a big blue Lincoln in 1971, a large Williamson stereo, a large boom-box, the biggest 4 wheel trailer he could find for retirement and then his large home in Bell Canyon. But in all, what he really wanted was to visit with family and friends.

As a young man Charlie enlisted in the Navy during WWII. After boot camp, on the Great Lakes he was given a medical discharge, and he decided to serve as a civilian by working and building ships in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the years he recounted his time there of beach life, WWII bands, movies, dancing the jitterbug and the opportunity to begin the American male love affair with the automobile. He worked hard and saved up for a new 1945 Nash which he drove back to Arkansas. Once there, at the Ration Board, he impressed the beautiful (inside and outside out) Jessie Mae Garner, who became his wife for 54 years. They would have two children, first a son Jerry and then a daughter Charlene who completed the family.

Life for a number of years would become one of movement and change seizing opportunities as they presented. It was a time in America where freedom meant the opportunity to be respected, dream big and better your life. Anything seemed possible. The family would move from Arkansas to Houston Texas, back to Arkansas, then on a whim off to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Finally in 1958 with only $7 left in their pocket upon their arrival they moved to California, which Charlie loved and where he remained to his dying day.

Life in California was one of sunshine, beaches, palm trees, beautiful mountains, and possibilities. It was also a time of big changes his home would have radio, TV, washer& dryer, telephones, electricity, and a stereo, etc. Charlie witnessed many changes in his life including desegregation, riots in Watts, space shuttles, the assassination of a President, a man landed on the moon and super highways. Keeping two jobs was hard but Charlie always set Sunday aside for family, church, lunch, and a drive enjoying the sights of California. Summer vacations were spent travelling to Arkansas visiting family and everyone was invited to come visit him in California.

Over the years Charlie and Jessie welcomed others to live with them in their home for a length of time. Virginia, Millie, Richard & Melba with Gene, Terry, Carol, and Andy will always remember the time spent there and the encouragement by Charlie to work hard and obtain an education.

Charlie and Jessie were pleased to see their children grow and become professional adults and marry. Their biggest thrill was to meet and love their 4 grandchildren---Alyson, Lisa, Greg, and Andy. Charlie has always loved teasing and playing with children. Over the years the kids would get to hear the stories grandpa spun. He was a master storyteller and other children began to refer to him as their grandpa. But the favorite thing for children was to have “ice cream”. It was not only the taste of either homemade or store bought but the feeling and memory you had of sharing time with him.

Further changes occurred in the 70s and 80s. It was the time of the real estate boom, especially in California. Charlie invested in real estate apartments and repaired them himself along with continuing to work. Upon retirement he used this investment to build a dream home in Bell Canyon. But before building he and Jessie Mae travelled the U.S. and then later took 3 of the grandchildren on special trips.

In 1984 Charlie purchased a lot in Bell Canyon and built a house that became a “home.” He had over the years attended technical college taking night courses that enabled him to supervise work crews and do most of the work by himself. It is amazing what he did and part of the “can do” attitude of his generation. But life was not always adventure and happiness. Unfortunately we all experience peaks and valleys. Charlene died in 1989 at the young age of 38. It is not what parents think the natural order of life should be. Parents should die first, and as a result a big piece of Charlie’s spirit and being was gone forever. However the rest of his strong character and especially his grandchildren helped ease the pain. He devoted his life to caring for Charlene when she was ill and then along with Jessie and Bill & Olga Surynt he supported and encouraged Lisa and Andy. He cherished those days and loved having visits from Jerry and his grandchildren, and any family from out of town that visited. He learned to fax, email, and Skype with Jerry’s instruction and he was pleased to stay connected to others.

Jessie Mae died in 1999 and Charlie remained lonely on his “hill.” In 2008 Jerry took his dad to Arkansas for what was to be the “last visit.” Charlie was so happy to see his roots and visit with family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed the trip and tears of joy flowed upon his return home as he thanked Jerry. He called the best trip of his life.

The last 18 months of Charlie’s life was one of illness but at the same time it brought pleasure. The illnesses eventually led to a total loss of independence and his having to be cared for out of his home. But before he left he spent months with Jerry, Evelyn, & Greg who cared for him in his home. A big smile returned to his face and he was thrilled to be taken on Sunday drives again and he spent hours watching westerns with Greg. Charlie appreciated all the cards, calls, and visits from Alyson, Lisa, Greg, Andy and Sydney, family members from afar, and his good friends, Bill & Olga Surynt, and Dennis Platt.

His few months in assisted living allowed him to relive the good old days of picture shows, dancing, the piano man and sight-seeing trips with new friends. He celebrated his 90th birthday in March with family, old friends and new friends. Two weeks later, his cancer and a bout with pneumonia left him weak and confined to a wheelchair. He said it was time to join Jessie Mae and Charlene. He passed away June 14 and was buried with his beloved wife and daughter at Oakwood Memorial Cemetery in Chatsworth, California.