Charles Franklin Fambrough

Charles “Chuck” Franklin Fambrough passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on October 30, 2025, at the age of 72. He was born on January 30, 1953, in Dublin, Georgia, to the late Joseph Fisher Fambrough and Annie Pearl Solomon Fambrough. Charles was the third eldest in a large, loving family of eleven siblings—five brothers and six sisters.

Charles was raised in Hanford, California, where he attended elementary school, then relocated with his family to Armona, where he attended middle school. He later returned to Hanford and graduated from Hanford High School with the Class of 1971. His high school years were among the best of his life; he often reminisced about his friends and experiences. Charles played halfback (#26) on the football team, ran track, and also played the congas and sang in a rock band called The Forth Oncome with the late George Taylor.

After high school, Charles attended College of the Sequoias (COS) in Visalia, earning his associate’s degree in accounting before beginning a successful career in sales. In 1978, he married Joan Marie Carter in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Together they had three children: Milicent Ashley, Robert Joseph, and Lauren Nicole. Shortly after Lauren’s birth, the family relocated to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to Joan’s family. In 1991, after thirteen years of marriage, Charles and Joan parted ways, but he chose to stay in Texas to help raise his children.

Later in life, after his children were grown, Charles returned to California on what he called his “Leap of Faith Tour.” He reconnected with friends and family, reunited with former bandmates, and played gigs up and down the West Coast before finally settling back in Hanford, close to his brothers Danny, Steve, and Victor.

Charles had many passions—fast cars among them. He was always riding in style: his first car was a 1968 green Firebird Formula 400, followed by a 1968 Chevy Nova, and his last, a sleek black Chevy Camaro. He also loved martial arts, the San Francisco 49ers, and the San Antonio Spurs—but above all, he loved music. His passion for playing never faded, and he continued to perform as a percussionist throughout his life. From California to Texas, Charles knew how to bring down the house! Some of his favorite bands included Journey, The Doobie Brothers, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Average White Band, Boz Scaggs, The Whispers, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, and Three Dog Night.

Charles loved to have a good time and was always the life of the party. He never took life too seriously—he loved cracking jokes and spreading laughter wherever he went. No matter what hardships he faced, he remained optimistic, resourceful, and strong-willed, always finding a way forward.

Family meant everything to Charles. He was protective, loyal, and well respected by all of his siblings. He taught his younger brothers how to defend themselves and always stepped in to stand up for his family. He made sure no one messed with the Fambroughs! He cherished his sisters and ensured they were cared for and supported.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Annie Fambrough; brothers Joseph Solomon, Willie George Solomon, and Steve Fambrough; sisters Joann Neal Aguilar and Sylvia Fambrough; and niece Danielle Stubbs.

He leaves behind his beloved children: Milicent Fambrough, Robert Fambrough, and Lauren Fambrough; his brothers Danny Fambrough and Victor (Julia) Fambrough; and his sisters Maggie Fambrough Stephenson, Betty Fambrough Louis (Ronnie), Janice Fambrough Stubbs (Harold II), Frances Fambrough (Karlos), and George Aguilar.

He is also lovingly remembered by his extended family across the country—his Jacksonville, Georgia, Maryland and D.C., Miami, Virginia, Gainesville, and Detroit families—including:

Derrick, Darryl, Derrine, and Willie George II;

Janie, Johnny (Shelly), Anthony (Michelle), Rosie, Joann II, Kim, Oliver, and Olivia;

Christina, Mary Lee, Maggie Marie, and Michael;

Stephanie, Danny II, and Timmy;

Alan Christopher, Rodney, and Deedra;

Jeffrey, Jason, Laconda, Adrian, Charlee, and Rhonea;

Jesalyn (Matthew) and Jacquelyn;

Harold III (Valnard), Danielle, Hunter, and Darianne (Obinna);

Shanica, Shontae, and Milton II;

and a host of great-nieces and nephews.

Charles also took great pride in being a loyal friend to many. He shared a lifelong bond with the Hernandez family and The Armona Crew—Greg Chachon, Mark Chachon, Jerry Solelo, Steve Caldera, Robert Caldera, Albert Sotelo, Mike Stansbury, Jerry Garcia, and Anthony Brewer (“Tiger”)—as well as his Hanford schoolmates, including the late George Taylor, Louey Thomas, Gilbert Ortiz, Darrilyn Borba, Annette Neumann Presley, and Deidre Wilton. He also cherished his Texas friends, Allison Taylor and Dan Gamarra.

Charles will be deeply missed for his laughter, music, and boundless spirit. We’ll miss his smile and joy—until we meet again.