Charles Kenneth "Babe" Bone

Charles Kenneth Bone, lovingly known as “Babe” by family, was a kind and gentle soul whose presence made the lives of everyone around him brighter. He never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, making people laugh, and making sure the people he loved always felt remembered.

Charles was born on April 12, 1939 in Union City, TN to Lonnie Paul and Louise Williams, as the baby of the family. His Uncle Jewel affectionately called him “Baby.” Before long, that nickname became “Babe,” and it remained a cherished nickname throughout his life.

Charles and his older siblings, Myrna and Gene, grew up on a farm. Their childhood was filled with hard work and adventures. The boys had very different personalities, and their childhood antics often reflected that. Gene was known for removing the muffler from the family tractor to make it roar, while Charles would re-attach it to restore peace to the surrounding area. On summer days, the brothers floated in the pond behind their home until one brotherly push from Gene sent Charles into the water, where he summoned his courage and taught himself to swim. They often reminisced about picking cotton and driving the truck for their father’s company, Paul’s Sausage. These stories became treasured memories that the brothers shared throughout their lives.

Charles attended Dixie High School in Union City, where he made lifelong friends he remained connected with throughout his life. When his family moved to Detroit, Michigan, for his father’s work, he continued his education at East Detroit High School, where he graduated. His time in Michigan brought many new experiences. It was there that Charles enjoyed his very first pizza, a simple memory that he would share about his time there. His artistic talent also began to shine, with his artwork being displayed at one of the Detroit schools of art, a special accomplishment that reflected the creativity he carried throughout his life.

In March 1963, Charles answered his country’s call and proudly served in the United States Army. He spent a year overseas at Camp Casey, Korea, as a Military Policeman before completing his service at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He earned the Expert Rifle Badge, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal. He had the rare privilege of serving alongside his childhood and lifelong best friend, Larry “Foot” Fowlkes. Their enduring 81-year friendship, formed long before the Army, was a source of pride and strength that they shared throughout their lives. From childhood friends, to fellow soldiers, to lifelong travel companions, Charles and “Foot” shared a remarkable journey filled with stories, laughter, and memories that spanned a lifetime. Charles was a proud American and continued to honor his country throughout his life, proudly displaying the American flag at his home on patriotic holidays.

Another beautiful chapter of Charles’ life began at The Med, where he worked as a Respiratory Therapist and met Estela, who was working as a Nurse. Her breakroom was next to his office, and Charles was often found standing by his door waiting for her to walk by, while Estela seemed to find plenty of reasons to make trips to the breakroom. Those little moments grew into a lifetime of love. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and adventure.

For Charles and Estela, life was about being together, working in the yard, watching Tennessee football, traveling, sharing meals, celebrating family, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Their love was found not only in the milestones, but in all the ordinary days they made special by sharing them.

Together, they continued Charles’ and Larry’s dream of visiting all 50 states and completed that journey with their family on an Alaskan cruise in 2010. It was more than checking a state off a list. It was the completion of a dream that had begun decades earlier and had grown to include the people Charles loved most. Later in life, they found community and friendship through their involvement with FILAMemphis and the Young at Heart Senior Group at St. Ann Catholic Church.

Family traditions were at the heart of Charles’ life. Summer trips to Branson, Missouri filled his daughters’ childhoods with live country music, while later adventures to Seagrove Beach and the Smoky Mountains created special memories with his grandchildren. Family dinners and celebrations around the table were among the moments he cherished most.

At home, the grandchildren had a special tradition of their own: stealing Papa’s chair. Somehow, his chair always seemed to be the favorite spot, and the grandkids loved claiming it before he could. Those playful moments were part of the laughter that filled their home and became the kind of simple family memories that will be cherished forever.

Classic country music was the soundtrack of Charles’ life. His daughters grew up hearing records playing throughout the house and in the car. He loved collecting vinyl records and making his own mixed cassette tapes and later CDs. As much as he loved music, he would admit that he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket! Music was such an important part of his life that his family played his beloved country songs for him during his time in the hospital. The same music that had filled their home throughout the years surrounded him again when they needed it most.

Charles found joy in the simple things. He loved antique cars, collecting baseball caps, painting with oils inspired by William Alexander and Bob Ross, and keeping his yard beautiful. He was handy, organized, hardworking, and always had an idea or a way to fix something. He stayed active throughout his life, from taking the stairs at work and walking the neighborhood to using the treadmill in his later years. He loved popcorn and ice cream, a good home-cooked meal by Estela or Brian, and he reminisced about his mother’s homemade biscuits with molasses and Myrna’s creamy mashed potatoes.

Above all, Charles loved his family. His daughters, Cindy and Erica, were his “bestest buddies,” and his grandchildren, Louden, Caroline, and Andrew, held an equally special place in his heart. He was always thinking of others and was often the one who called old friends and family simply to stay connected. He had a gift for remembering people and making sure they knew they were loved.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie Paul and Louise Williams; his sister, Myrna; and his nephews, Johnny Paul and Kenny Lane.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Estela Ocampo; daughters Cindy (Brian) and Erica; grandchildren Louden Charles, Caroline Estelle, and Andrew Lawson; brother Gene (Mary Jo); nieces Tammy and Paula; nephew Danny; and many beloved extended family members in the Philippines.

Charles leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, friendship, music, family traditions, and memories that will continue to live on in all who knew him.

We will miss his lovely blue eyes, his laughter, his kindness, his gentle spirit, his stories, his jokes, his funny texts, his silly faces, his beautiful yard, his pocketed shirts and beloved caps, his phone calls, and his presence at the dinner table and on family vacations.

Most of all, we will miss simply having him here.

But Charles gave his family something that will never leave us: a lifetime of love and memories.

His life reminds us that a meaningful life isn’t measured only by the years we live, but by the people we love, the friendships we nurture, the adventures we share, and the joy we bring to others along the way.

Charles lived that kind of life.

He was a son, a brother, a soldier, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a best friend, and a friend to so many.

He was Babe.

And he will forever be our “best buddy.”

He was and always will be near and dear to our hearts. His family was his whole world, and he was ours.

Papa, we love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck! We always will.

To send flowers, call the funeral home at (901)725-0100 or if you wish to donate in Charles’ memory, consider St. Ann Catholic Church where Charles and Estela have been parishioners for 41 years or St. Ann Catholic School where both girls and grandchildren attended elementary school. The links to donate are below:

St. Ann Catholic Church

https://giving.myparishsoft.io/app/giving/stannbartlett

St. Ann Catholic School

https://sascolts.factsmgtadmin.com/give