Charles Anderson

Charles Anderson was born on May 7, 1940, in Blackwell, Conway County, Arkansas, to Josephine and Louie Anderson — a country boy with a bright spirit, a quick smile, and a heart that would one day stretch across generations. To those who loved him, he was Charles, Grandpa, C.A. and Dad; each name carrying its own story and its own tenderness.

Charles grew up surrounded by the strength of family and the lessons of the land. His grandfather and namesake Charlie Anderson (Anna) helped shape his early years. His parents, Louie and JosephineAnderson preceded him in death, but their influence remained a steady compass throughout his life. Charles’ journey was one of movement and meaning. He loved music and dancing — the kind of dancing that made people laugh, clap, and join in. He loved fishing, even though he refused to eat the fish he caught. He raised worms in the backyard for bait, kept a garden full of collard greens, and could spend hours playing dominoes or card games, where his competitive streak and humor always showed.

His early working years were spent at Baga Feed Company in Blythe, CA. But Charles was never afraid of a new path. He started his own trucking business hauling cantaloupes and watermelons, then later worked for a walnut farmer in Riverside County and as an independent lumberjack. In Pasadena, Charles worked for an antique furniture business and at Ambassador College as a skilled painter. In 1973, he joined Von’s Grocery as a warehouse man, where he worked faithfully for 22 years until his retirement. He was always the kind of man who showed up early, worked hard, and treated everyone with respect.

In 1960 Charles met and married his first love, Shirlene Pride of Blythe, CA. Their union brought two wonderful sons into the world: Charles Anderson Jr. and Tolano Dean Anderson. He loved his boys fiercely, and that love shaped all of their lives.

 

As life took its course, Charles met and married Mary Hale of Pasadena, CA. Their marriage included 2 stepchildren, Tonja and Fred and led to the birth of his youngest son, Tyrone Anderson, which added another chapter to his amazing life’s story.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Mary Anderson “Mama”, grandparents Charlie and Anna Anderson; parents, Louie and Josephine Anderson; siblings: Joserine Sandridge and Robert EarlAnderson, and his sons Charles Anderson Jr., Tyrone Anderson, and stepson Fred Hale.

Yet his legacy continues through his son Tolano Dean Anderson (Cathy), his sisters Louie Jean Ford, Eunestine McNeal, and Jearlean Porter (Henry); his brothers Howard, Tom, and Henry Anderson; his 12 grandchildren;

La Trici Jones (Paul), Tameka, Charles III (Kentra), Delayna, Tanassa (Alex), Taleesha, Tasaucha, Tyrone, Antwon, Shanay, Alexis and Ty’tiara, his 24 great‐grandchildren; 2 great‐great‐grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Charles lived a life full of stories, laughter, hard work, and deep devotion to the people he loved. His journey was long, rich, and unforgettable — and his legacy will continue to shine through every life he touched. He has fought the good fight, he has finished his course, and he has kept the faith.