Mr. Charles Edward Chambers Sr., a man whose life was defined by joy, service, laughter, and an unmistakable presence, entered eternal rest on January 12, 2026, at the age of 77, in Rancho Belago, California.

Charles was born on February 28, 1948, in Fosters, Alabama, to Ivory “Earsie” Chambers and Willie Ruth McGiffert. He was raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on his grandmother Bessie’s farm—a place that shaped both his character and spirit. There, Charles learned grit and grace early in life, spending his days riding horses, wrestling bulls, and cultivating the strength and confidence that would follow him throughout his years.

Later, his mother Willie Ruth—affectionately known as “Madea”—married Quillar Coleman, and Charles proudly assumed the role of big brother to nine siblings: Joe and Ivory Chambers Jr., and Debra, Quillar, Shavonne, Marvin, Sandra, Janina, and Veronda Coleman. Family was never just important to Charles—it was central.

The Life and Times of Charles E. Chambers, Sr.

In 1963, Charles welcomed his firstborn daughter, Barbara Thomas. Soon after, the Coleman family relocated to Long Beach, California, settling on the corner of 10th and Lewis in a home that would become a hub of love, laughter, and life. Charles attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where he played football and met the love of his life, Linda Meadows. Together, they built a legacy spanning decades. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Yvette Denise Chambers in 1966, followed by their only son, Charles Edward Chambers Jr., in 1974.

A hardworking man, Charles wore many hats over the years. He worked in a car wash, at Sunkist, in sheet metal, at Ralphs, in security, and ultimately in demolition—his final occupation before retirement. No matter the job, Charles carried pride in honest work and never shied away from labor.

Charles was a man of faith who knew the Lord. A devoted Christian, he was a longtime member of Cherry Avenue Church of God in Christ, where his service spoke louder than words. He volunteered as the church gardener, faithfully tending the grounds so that the house of God would always be welcoming and well kept. His work was a quiet testimony of devotion, humility, and stewardship.

Family life thrived around Charles. When Yvette and Charles Jr. were young, he and Linda were deeply involved in Pop Warner football. Charles served as a coach, while Linda supported as a team mother and later became Director over the cheerleaders. Together, they poured into countless children, shaping lives far beyond their own household.

Charles lived loudly, joyfully, and unapologetically. He loved to dance and sing—moving like James Brown and crooning like Sam Cooke. He was the life of every party, the spark of every gathering, and the man you could always count on to lift the room. Whether hosting cookouts, entertaining friends, or simply showing up, Charles brought energy, humor, and warmth wherever he went.

In quieter moments, he could be found watching his favorite westerns, football, or any sporting event he could catch. He loved playing dominoes—“slapping bones”—and never turned down a challenge of spades, tonk, or bid whist. A social butterfly with a charming wit, Charles loved telling jokes, making people laugh, and enjoying good food. A true connoisseur, he was never shy about letting you know if something didn’t taste right.

Even in his later years, Charles never lost his spark. While residing at Manzanita Senior Living, he was crowned Senior Prom King at the age of 77. True to form, when the DJ played James Brown, Charles took the floor—and didn’t stop dancing even after the song ended. The DJ had to remix the track just so Charles could finish his moves. It was a moment that perfectly captured who he was: timeless, joyful, and unforgettable.

Charles leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory always. He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Faye Chambers; his children, Barbara Thomas, Yvette Denise Chambers, and Charles Edward Chambers Jr.; and his beloved grandchildren: Kendrella Thomas, Shikeda Thomas-Brown, Ashley Upchurch, Chuquese Furgeson, James Hicks I, and Briauna Hicks, Chloe Chambers, and Charley Chambers. He also leaves a host of twelve great-grandchildren James Hicks II, Lei’Ahni Hicks, James Hicks III, James Hicks IV, Jamie Hicks, Khrislyn Wallace, Kimbriel Furgeson, Kendall Brown, Landon Brown, Kaitlyn Brown, Mayson Brown, each a living extension of his legacy.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Ivory Chambers and Willie Ruth Coleman, and his sister Sandra Coleman.

Legacy & Remembrance

To know Charles Chambers Sr. was to know joy. His legacy lives in laughter that echoes at family gatherings, in music that makes feet move without warning, in gardens quietly tended, in children coached and encouraged, and in stories that will be told for generations. He taught those around him how to work hard, love deeply, worship faithfully, and live fully.

Though his physical presence is gone, his spirit remains—dancing, singing, laughing, and reminding us all that life is meant to be enjoyed, shared, and celebrated. Charles Edward Chambers Sr. lived well, loved loudly, and left this world better than he found it.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.