Charles Haynes Jr. was born August 24, 1940 in Union Springs, Alabama to the union of Charles Haynes Sr. and Minnie (Germany) Haynes.  He was the only boy, and the baby, from this union.  He had seven sisters, who believed a stork dropped him from the sky.  He was showered with love, protection and affection by these girls, who had him spoiled and rotten to the core. (They created a monster, called “Baby Brother!”)

He graduated from South High School and was an outstanding all-city running back during his high school years.  He was sought after by many colleges in the 1960’s.  However, Charles had other plans for his life and he was not going to leave all of the pretty girls behind.

He was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel on May 22, 1996, under the pastoral care of Reverend Annie Greer.  Just a few months ago, he rededicated his life to Jesus Christ with his new friend, Reverend Dr. Earl Hudson, Pastor of St. John CME in Akron, OH.  He enjoyed his communion with the Lord and his talks with Dr. Hudson.

He was a perfectionist, not only in dress, but also with the landscaping of his luscious green lawn, the plush carpet throughout his home and the hand-crafted, special ordered draperies at his windows, along with his shiny, waxed car and motorcycle.

Charles worked for Firestone Tire in his early adulthood and the Ford Motor Company for twenty years at the Walton Hill Plant, until he took an early retirement.  He was a proud member of the Zulus’s Motorcycle Club for many years and had a “sweet” bike.  All of his nephews wanted to be like their Uncle Charles.  He enjoyed the finer things in life, but some of the uglier things in life “are waiting on you when you fall.” He worked hard to obtain his custom lifestyle, but he also played harder.

Dad’s  last few years were spent in The Arbors of Fairlawn Nursing Center, were he had time to reflect on his life and how he chose to live it.  No matter where he went, he left a lasting impression.  The Staff at the Arbors were well aware of his likes and dislikes.  He chose his exit like he chose his life.  When he got tired, he spoke it.  And when he didn’t like something or somebody, he spoke that too.  He lived his life “out loud!”  At the end, only weighing 150 pounds, he still had the heart of a lion in the jungle!

Charles was preceded in death by parents, Minnie (Germany) Haynes and Charles Haynes Sr.; four sisters and brother-in-laws, Gertha (Nathanial) Edwards, Ethel (Iverson) Cave, Annie (Roger) Greer and Minnie (Tom) Colbert, numerous nephews and nieces and his wife, Melodie “Ginger” Edwards-Haynes.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Corey (Crystal) Haynes Sr., Crystal (Thomas) Church, Jerold (Deborah) Loftin, Vicki Varner, Charles “Chad” Haynes III and Kisha Haynes; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he really enjoyed later in his life; sisters, Willie G. (Robert, deceased) Jones, Lucille “Pinkie” (Robert, deceased) Smith and Addie (Leroy, deceased) Singletary; many nephews, great nephews, nieces, great nieces and cousins.