Charles Edmond Wales, age 89, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2014 at Life Care Center of Columbia.
Charles was born in Bay, Arkansas on March 30, 1925 to the late Alvin Wales and Viola Smith Wales. In 1946, Charles and Greatel Pope were married; they each would say they married the love of their life. Charles and Greatel spent the next 68 years building a beautify life together. Charles served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He retired from Union Carbide and then found great joy driving a school bus for fourteen years. Charles spoiled his children on the bus; the parents trusted him and knew their children would be safe once they left home. He was a mechanic and could fix anything. Charles was also very active in his church. He enjoyed attending church services and was a faithful member of Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ for 65 years. He attended Bible conferences in an RV and traveled as far as California. He loved his church and his family.
The family will visit with friends on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ. Funeral Services will be on Sunday, October, 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ with Dr. Henry Mobley officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.
Charles is survived by the love of his life, wife Greatel Wales; daughter Janice Owens of Columbia; son Jimmy Wales of Columbia; grandsons Robby Wales and Chris Wales; and four great-grandchildren.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Viola Wales; brothers Billy Wales, J.B. Wales, Alvin Wales Jr, Edward Wales, William Wales, and Bobby Gene Wales; and sister Geraldine Wales.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Guthrie, Danny Shrader, Joseph Dungy, Kevin Bowles, Donald Francis, Harlan Casteel, Jerry Mobley, and Alex Alcaraz.
Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Baxter, Donald Francis, Darrall Teeples, Daniel Vuncanon, Vince Dominguez, and Terry and Lance Malcolm.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ and Life Care Center for their kindness to both Charles and Greatel.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.williamsfh.com.
