Charles Vaughn Sr.

Devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather

Ordained Deacon of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ International Deacon’s Union

Charles Vaughn, Sr. departed this earthly life on Friday, March 25, 2011. Charles, the son of King Vaughn and Carrita Ballard Vaughn, was born on August 12, 1925, in Okeechobee, Florida. He attended grade school and transitioned into the work force at an early age to help provide for his family.

In 1941, King Vaughn moved his family to New Jersey to seek better employment opportunities.

Soon thereafter, Pop met the love of his life, Miss Daisy Godbolt, in Freehold, New Jersey.

Charles and Daisy fell in love and eloped to Smithfield, Maryland on January 7, 1950. They returned to New Jersey to begin their family. From this union three children, Doris, Charles Jr. “Chuck” and Mark were born.

In 1951, Pop was employed by the State of New Jersey’s Heavy and General Laborer’s Union Local 472. Pop had one of, if not the most, exceptional journeys of promotion and success in his field. He entered the construction workforce as an entry-level laborer. He was a quick study and excelled at everything he did. He capitalized on every opportunity for upward mobility. Pop progressed from laborer to mason laborer, to grade foreman, and ultimately to shop steward.

Pop was one of the most active members of Local 472. He never missed a union meeting and was heavily involved in lobbying and campaigning for the union candidates. He would greet the candidates when they came to the State of New Jersey to campaign and was extremely savvy in what is today known as networking. Pop loved his work and enjoyed participating in his union activities. Pop worked in construction for over forty-one years and retired in August 1991. He received his sixty year union pin in October 2010.

As the patriarch of our family, Pop was the epitome of industriousness. He, along with his wife, owned a rental property in Englishtown, New Jersey, thereby introducing his children to the art of business and real estate. When he came home from work, he worked on his cars and cultivated his vegetable plants. He cooked dinner and completed administrative responsibilities for his job. Pop showed his family the sacrifices of hard work and the rewards that resulted from hard work. He took his family on annual vacations to places such as Niagara Falls, Lake George, New York and Florida. When he became a grandfather, he continued to fulfill all of these roles and still had time to devote to his grandchildren eating ice cream and watching television before bedtime.

In the early 1990’s, Pop was saved and became a member of Community Refuge Church of Christ, in Englishtown, New Jersey. Even before becoming a member, Pop enjoyed donating his expertise and time to the church. He built the driveway entrance to the church and donated the utility building for their supplies. While a member of Community Refuge, he was ordained a deacon and became a member of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ International Deacon’s Union.

In 2005, Pop and his entire family moved to Georgia. After transitioning, he became a member of Bethel Church Ministries, Inc. in Monroe, GA and later, The Praise Center in Monroe, GA. Pop made new friends in his senior community and continued to bask in the love of his children and grandchildren.

There has never been, nor will there ever be another husband, father or grandfather like Pop. His love, perseverance, and wisdom were unparalleled. We remain thankful to the Lord for blessing us with such a man.

Pop was pre-deceased by his beloved son, Mark W. Vaughn; parents, King and “Carrie” Vaughn; four brothers, Clinton “Clifford” Hunter, Dozier Hunter, A.C. “Puddin” Vaughn and Ostein Vaughn; and two sisters, Corrine Lowder and Katherine Cook.

He leaves a legacy of love and wisdom to his wife, Daisy Vaughn of Lawrenceville, GA; son, Charles Vaughn Jr. (Kathy) of Snellville, GA; daughter, Doris Vaughn Moore (Louis) of Lawrenceville, GA; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Vaughn of Snellville, GA; grandchildren, Melanie S. Moore, Devon L. Moore, Justin C. Vaughn, Jordan M. Vaughn, Jared C. Vaughn, Summer N. Vaughn and Jada A. Vaughn; brother, Matthew Vaughn (Willow) of South River, NJ; five sisters-in-law; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.