Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Charles was my childhood friend; we shared many lasting memories of WV. When one of us go to rest with the Lord, it leaves an empty space in our hearts but we never forget the times we shared.

Oh! I neglected to mention, the first picture of Charles was taken at Robby's night club in Huntington, WV, in September, 1986. One of our many nights on the town. The 2nd picture of Charles and Darren was taken at Charle's home in Glen Burney during the Xmas holidays, 1999. The third picture was taken at my brother, Darren's funeral, First Baptist Church, Huntington WV, September, 2015 (I believe). Charles attended First Baptist Church during his Marshall University years. The other people in the picture are Darren's classmates and Charles' and Darrens' fellow choir members from Genesis and BYF Youth Conferences.

I am truly saddened to learn of my friend's passing. I met Charles when he called the house asking to speak to Darren, my brother, who was not home at the time. I began talking to Charles like I had known him for years. That initial conversation lasted almost 30 minutes (I had no memory of how the friendship began, Charles reminded me of this meeting approximate 20 years into the friendship). Fast forward another 20 years (40+ years in total), the friendship was still strong. We did not speak often but when we did, we always picked up where we left off. As if no time had passed. And, we were always there whenever one needed the other. Recently, Charles was on my mind so I called to say hey. That is when he shared the cancer had returned. We talked for well over an hour (the conversation was so short because Charles was too tired to talk any more). Charles and I laughed, cried, reminisced, dreamed, laughed some more, discussed his 60th birthday and his plans for his retirement. Charles had an extremely grateful heart and shared his love for his family, friends and his life. Charles was upbeat, positive, optimistic and confident is his future. We told one another that we loved each other, as we always did, and ended the call. I learned that just days after our conversation, Charles would go into the hospital, then hospice and ultimately, home. I will forever cherish our many experiences and I will certainly miss my friend. RIP. Much Love, Patrick P.S. Give Momma Fain and Darren my love!

I am heart broken, Charles was like my uncle, we worked together for many years; he trained me at Bello Machre to be the best employee that I can be. My family loved him, my children loved him. Charles was an amazing man with an amazing heart, and I am going to miss him terribly.. S.i.p Unc, we love you.. My Prayers are with Ms. Tiny and Ms. Anne and the entire Hamm family.. Love Chantel