RUSSELL, SR. CHARLIE LOUIS MAY 18, 1912 - SEPTEMBER 26, 2002 was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana on May 18, 1912. When he was a teen-ager, his parents, Jake and Matilda, moved the family, including his younger brother, Robert, to West Monroe, Louisiana. In 1932, he married Katie King. They had two children, Charlie, Jr., and William Felton. In 1942, in search of a better life for his family, he journeyed to Oakland, where he worked at Moor's Shipyard. His family joined him a year later. Katie died in 1947 and Charlie was left to raise two adolescent sons. Although he only completed the eighth grade, he saw both sons graduate from the University of San Francisco. In 1952, Charlie married his second wife, Mildred. They spent many happy years together. They enjoyed watching westerns and being entertained by their dog, Jim. Mildred died in 1998. Charlie was a prototypical working man. In his teens, he managed a paper bag factory. Over his life he worked in an automobile assembly plant, owned a truck used to carry fruit pickers and worked at Del Monte cannery. His last job was at the McCullough Foundry, from which he retired at age 63. Charlie was a decades-long member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he remained active until his health deteriorated. He was a past Master of Berkeley Lodge No. 23, and a past Patron of El Camino Real Chapter No. 30, Order of the Eastern Star. An outgoing and friendly man, he was also known for his strong will. Charlie was quick witted, with a spirited humor and an enviable gift for story-telling. He loved fishing, dancing, playing cards and dominos. At 90 years old, Charlie went to his rest on September 26, 2002. He is survived by his sons" Award-winning author/playwright Charlie Russell, Jr. (70) of Berkeley, and basketball legend William (Bill) Russell (68) of Seattle, Washington; his Grandchildren: William Russell, Jr., Seattle; Jacob Russell, Seattle; Katheryn Russell-Brown, Silver Spring, MD; Karen Russell, Seattle; and Joshua Russell of Marin. His oldest grandson, Michael, predeceased him. Additionally, he leaves two great-grandsons: Miles and Mercer Russell. He was especially close to his former daughters-in-law Rose Russell and Tanya Russell. He was a father figure to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. His passing is mourned by his many long term friends, most particularly, Charles Kelly. On Thursday, October 3rd, there will be a quiet hour from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home, 3665 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 4th at 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1205 Willow Street, in West Oakland. Internment immediately following the services at Rolling Hills Cemetery, Richmond, CA.

Alameda Times-Star 10/2/02.