First and foremost, Charles loved his family and friends. One of Charles’ gifts was the ability to make everyone feel like they were the most special person to him, like they were his favorite - and we all were.
Charles’ passion, his life, was art. He expressed himself through paint, pottery, charcoal and nearly every media available. Charles could repurpose anything and turn it into something beautiful. This passion eventually became his life’s work. Charles discovered his true calling many years ago as an instructor for a summer art camp in New York State. He went on to become an AP art teacher at Wooddale High School, and then at Whitehaven High School. Charles dedicated the past 14 years to teaching thousands of young people, helping them discover and cultivate their talents. To many, he was their mentor. Though he never had children of his own, those he taught were HIS children, and he loved them dearly.
Charles was also a gardener, raising the most beautiful flowers and vegetables. Art and nature came together in his backyard, the classroom, and in school gardens. Charles didn’t just sow the tangible; he planted seeds of love and kindness along all the paths of his life. Like his art and his gardens, he showed us that investing in whom and what you love will always produce incredible results.
Charles is preceded in death by his grandparents: Lindy and Anna Marie Smith and Hubert and Eva Adair. He is survived by his parents: Linda Self and Dan Adair (Delia); two brothers, Andy Adair (Michelle); Levon Self (Amira); a sister Sarah Brewer (Adam); nephews, Carson and Isaac; nieces, Lilley Grace and Nora, aunt Laura Grisham (David); uncle James Smith; cousins Rebecca Jaffe (Joseph, son Gabe), Grant Grisham, Phillip Smith (Caroline, children Hailey & Jase) and a host of other extended family and dear friends. He leaves behind a piece of his heart in his beloved dog, Hopper. He also leaves a wonderful legacy in all of his many students from Wooddale and Whitehaven High School, of whom he was very proud.
The family will gather to receive friends on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 785 Church Road West, Southaven, MS 38671, and again on Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Funeral mass will be said Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM, 785 Church Road West, Southaven, MS 38671. Interment services will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1663 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38106.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Adair family.
