Charlie peacefully passed away at his home February 21, 2024, after a brief illness at age 95. He joins his forever love and wife of 72 years, Jean, who entered Heaven in late 2020. Charlie and Jean’s small family grew significantly leaving more than a dozen additional families and many friends to celebrate their lives and memories of gatherings at their home, beach, and Lake Logan Martin. They will continue inspiring future generations with their legacy of love and commitment.
Charlie was a gifted craftsman doing sheet metal work for over 50 years. He created complex designs, then hand-fabricated and expertly installed them across Birmingham and Alabama in churches, banks, hospitals, and other sites, some still displaying his artistry. He proudly received his 70-year award from his SMART union in recent years. He enjoyed Alabama football, fishing, and even to the very last—a cold beverage, carport visits with neighbors and keeping his lawn neatly trimmed, and free of leaves atop his riding mower!
Charlie’s grandmother ensured that he gained his simple faith from an early age attending a country church, singing traditional hymns, and being baptized in the nearby river. His character and life reflected hard work, honesty, generosity, care of family and friends along with determination. He and Jean overcame many hardships forging through the difficulties together.
Charlie is survived by daughters Linda Ellis (Bob-Dothan), Deanna Phillips (TN), and Bridgett Rucks (Jeff, Sr.-Birmingham); grandchildren: Jennifer Thomas (Eric), Charles Phillips (Stacy), Terri Adams (Daniel) , Bridgett Rager (Jeff), Tim Ellis (Jamie), Joey Farris (Cory), Jeff Rucks, Jr. (Stephanie) and Jay Rucks (Carolyn); greatgrandchildren: Anna and Austin Thomas, Logan (Mallory) and Lauren Phillips, Trevor and Savanna Adams, Chase Phillips (Kassie) and Cheynne Palmer (Nick), Charisma and Lorelei Farris; Emily, Jaxon and Everleigh Rucks; great-grandsons: Ryder Palmer and Carson Thomas, as well as niece Kim Tillman (Cecil) and her family and special friend Vickey Mayfield. The family appreciates the loving care Charlie received from caregivers of Lakeside Hospice in his final
days. He is preceded in death by his mother, Florence Brown Poarch and grandmother, Ida Haisten.
A celebration for family and friends is being planned; contact bridgettrucks@gmail.com for details. Donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to Lakeside Hospice (Pell City), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Wiregrass Hope Group (Dothan).