Charles Elde Rufus Sr.

Charles Elde Rufus, the oldest of eight children, was born on November 15, 1947 to Thomas and Mattie Eva (Burnley) Rufus. Charles was born at the family’s South Dallas home on Metropolitan Avenue. The Rufuses were very excited yet quite cautious at the birth of their son. They were cautious because they had lost a baby girl at birth and a baby boy, Clarence Earl, at 5 months. Therefore, Charles remained the apple of his mother’s eye. As the oldest child, Charles set the pace in many areas for his siblings. One area was in education. Starting out at Charles Rice Elementary School and H.S Thompson Elementary, Charles scored mastery in academic skills and in art. He won several awards in art and crafts.

Charles continued his academic training at John Henry Brown Junior High where he excelled in choir and athletics – he was on the track and basketball teams. In the 8th grade he walked with his chest out as he reigned as president of the choir under the direction of Ms. Bennie L. Williams who would eventually teach Charles’s younger siblings at Lincoln High School.

In 1966 Charles graduated from Lincoln High School after four successful years of diligent study. He earned his letterman’s jacket as an athletic trainer and led the bass section of the Harry T. Burleigh Choir under the direction of Maurine F. Bailey.

Immediately following high school Charles married Verdine Bryant and proudly took on the responsibility being “daddy” to her son Eric. Expanding the family , the young couple welcomed Charles, Jr (“Duke”), Carol Lanette, and Heather Dione.

Having worked several jobs to support his family, Charles, still a young husband and father, answered the call to become a gospel preacher as did his father. In 1971 he left full-time employment and became a full-time student at Preston Road School of Preaching where he studied various challenging courses such as Christian hermeneutics, homiletics, Christian apologetics, Greek, and Old & New Testament exegesis. .

Graduating from Preston Road School of Preaching in June of 1973, Charles was now more motivated to pursue a career in the ministry. His love for the ministry called him to serve in the pulpit of several churches of Christ throughout the Texas Southeast including Gilmer, Wilmer, Kountze, Silsbee, Beaumont, and Port Arthur. To supplement his preacher salary Charles worked for the B. F. Goodrich Tire Company for 32 years; furthermore, he also worked many years for Ameripol Synpol Corporation as a chemical plant operator.

During the early years of his Beaumont ministry, Charles married Judy (Brinson) Garrett, a young widow raising her son Gregory Keith. Jason Bernard was later added to the family. Along with his job as a minister, Charles became successful as an entrepreneur. He advanced as a notary public, tax preparer, and real estate settlement agent. His favorite part of entrepreneurship was his business Rufus Graphics.

On January 22, 2022 Charles completed this earthly life and stepped into the realms of eternal life. He now joins his parents, wife Judy, son Charles, Jr. , granddaughter Unique, and brother Reginald.

Left behind to cherish his memory are four children and 15 grandchildren: Eric & children Erica, Eran, Eric, Jr. Jasmine, Christian Granddaughter Brittanye Mohrbacher (Paul), daughter of Charles, Jr.

Carol Nette & children Quinton, Brandonn (Angelica), Crisean, Cristofer Heather Dione Rufus & daughter Amari Jason & children Jason, Jr., Jeremiah, Jaslynn, Syre Bonus son – Gregory Keith Garrett.

Charles also has 13 great-grandchildren. Other family includes siblings: Willie Eva Rufus Burnett (Harold), Edna Rufus Eziashi, Sister-in-law Diedra Rufus (Reginald’s widow), Leonard Rufus (Denise), Pamela Kay Rufus, Michael Rufus (Evette) and Tojuana Rufus Porter (Jacques) Maternal aunt Esther Burnley; maternal cousin Mildred Patrick; paternal uncle James Rufus; paternal aunts Ruth Rufus Derrick and Brenda Rufus Smith; Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Saying that we will miss Charles is an understatement. His sharp wit, humor, and wise advice will linger on as a part of his legacy. From now throughout eternity he will enjoy fellowship with the Lord of all life.