Charles William Burrage, Sr.

Our Father, Charles William Burrage Sr, was born in Georgetown, South Carolina on February 9, 1942 to the late Demosthenes Burrage, Sr. and Vivian Besselieu Burrage. Charles was the second to youngest of their four children. They lived in South Carolina until the family migrated up North to Philadelphia. As a young child; he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior. He was educated in the Philadelphia School District where he graduated from Simon Gratz High School. After high school, Charles served his country in the United States Marines.

In 1968, Charles met and later married Esther Burgess Burrage; to this union three children were born: Stephanie, Charles Jr, and LaTrelle. He was a generous father who always wanted the best for his children. Since he was a few courses short of his degree at the Community College of Philadelphia he made it known that we had to go to college and earn a degree.

Charles was employed as a Supervisor at the Philadelphia Electric Company where he stayed until he retired. Charles spent his retirement years living with his children in Philly, Texas, Jersey, and most recently Georgia. He enjoyed spending time at the Barrow County Senior Center and the Jackson County Senior Center. He loved watching sports, especially the Eagles and the Phillies! He often enjoyed eating his pecans and playing the lottery. He was affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Squeaks” for his quiet nature.

As his health started to decline, Charles was admitted to the Haven Memory Care Assisted Living Center where they cared for him dearly. We are grateful for the staff who treated him with the greatest care. Dad lived a long life and his body was tired and in the wee hours in the morning as he lay sleep, the Lord called him home so he could get the rest he deserves.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Demosthenes Burrage Sr and Vivian Besselieu Burrage; and his brothers: Demosthenes Burrage Jr, and Frederick Burrage.

Charles is survived by his son, Charles William (Sheril) Burrage, Jr; daughters: Stephanie Bladen and LaTrelle Harris; sister, Dr. Roberta Vogel; grandchildren: Halle Burrage, Justin Bladen, Olivia Burrage, Mikayla Burrage, April Harris, and Isaiah Harris; the mother of his children, Esther Burrage; family friend, Ralph "JR" Bladen, Jr.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service for Mr. Burrage will be held in Smith Memory Chapel, 755 Atlanta Hwy SE, Winder, Georgia on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 am with the Burial to follow at Barrow Memorial Gardens.