Charles Dee Carden

Charles Dee Carden (also known as Charlie and Termite), age 91, of Tuscaloosa, passed away peacefully at his home on October 6th. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12th, from 1:00 to 2:00 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with a graveside service at Memory Hill Gardens following.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Anna Pearl Carden; his first wife, Bobbie Neil Carden; his second wife, Ann Bomar Carden; his son, Edward “Eddie” Carden; his son-in-law, Danny Jones; his sisters, Libby Stanley and Eloiese Carden; and his nephew, Jerry Carden.

Survivors include his beloved dogs, Blondi and Jake, who were the main reason he fought so hard to live; his children, Anna Marie Jones and James Carden; his grandchild, Michelle Leonard (Chad); his great-grandchildren, Anna Brooke Stull (Alan), Brittney Leonard, Drew Leonard; his great-great-grandchild, Jonathan Michael Leonard; his brother, Clyde Carden; his honorary grandchildren, Joe Cunningham (Martha) and J. Mike Cunningham; his honorary great-grandchild, Kayla Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

Charles proudly served in the United States Army National Guard for 28 years and earned an honorable discharge. While in the Guard, Charles formed his own successful business, Warrior Electronics, and retired in 2010.

For those that knew Charles knew that his greatest honor was being known as “Pawpaw”. Even those who didn’t know him personally still called him the same.

Pawpaw’s unmatched talent for giving out nicknames became part of his legacy. A few of his many creations include Big Leroy (Chad),

Sister (Michelle), P-nut (Anna Brooke), Amos (Alan), Tator Bug (Brittney), Little Leroy (Drew), and Oscar (Jonathan Michael).

Pawpaw never walked alone – not because he couldn’t, but because his loyal dogs, Blondi and Jake, were never far behind. His bond with them was sacred and he trusted them with all his secrets.

Pawpaw’s stories were long, his hugs were strong, and his presence will be deeply missed – though we imagine he is up in Heaven now, giving the angels their own nicknames and sneaking cornbread to celestial dogs.

Pawpaw’s love for coffee and The Blue Plate’s chicken livers was unmeasurable - but more than anything, Pawpaw loved the Lord with all his heart. Pawpaw’s spiritual strength guided his life and gave peace to those around him.

Pawpaw, your journey here is complete, but your stories, your laughter, and your love live on in all of us.

“His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” – Matthew 25:23.

Pallbearers are Chad Leonard, Drew Leonard, Alan Stull, Joe Cunningham, Mike Cunningham, and Travis Carden.

Honorary Pallbearers are his live-in caregiver, Melanie Panzic; sitter, Ashley Hill; Dr. Scott Fulgham; Fresenius Kidney Care; Amedisys Home Health; and Oasis Hospice Care.