Charlie Wilson Ware

Charlie Wilson Ware was born January 20, 1945 to William Henry Ware and Vera Freeman Ware in Randolph County, Alabama.

Charles as he was known by his friends, joined First Baptist Church at an early age. He later moved his membership to Friendship Baptist Church, in the Bacon Level Community, where he served faithfully as a Deacon.

Charles attended The Randolph County Training School. Charles excelled in athletics, he played varsity football and basketball. He also joined the Track and Field Team. After high school, Charles was united in marriage to Ms. Brenda Winston.

Mr. Charles Ware's greatest achievement was becoming one of the first black police officers for the City of Roanoke, Alabama. This was no small feat considering that up until that time, there were no minorities in positions of authority in Randolph County. Charles served the Police Department with distinction eventually earning the rank of Lieutenant/Assistant Chief. After paving the way for other black law enforcement officers and twenty-eight years of service to the Roanoke Police Department, Charles retired from the department.

Even though he was retired, Charles was not going to stop working. He opened Ware's Garage and turned a life-long hobby into a business. Charles performed mechanic work with the help of his son. He worked on everything from cars, to motorcycles, and even lawn mowers. Charles could be seen almost every day working at the shop. Ware's Garage became a familiar spot in the community, and many people stopped by just to talk.

Charles Ware, Sr. passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at his home on Chemical Avenue in Roanoke, Alabama. He was preceded in death by both parents; brothers: William Ware and Ronald Ware; one son, Charlie Ware, Jr.; and one granddaughter, Lakeshia Hughley.

He leaves to cherish many fond memories: his wife of fifty-one years, Brenda Ware of Roanoke, Alabama; two (2) sons, Tracy Ware (Katsena) of West Point, Georgia and Troy Ware of Roanoke, Alabama; one (1) daughter, Valerie Ware of Roanoke, Alabama; two (2) sisters: Mary Holliday of Atlanta, Georgia and Annie Pearl Houston of Roanoke, Alabama; one (1) aunt, Lucille Freeman of LaGrange, Georgia; two (2) brothers-in-law, Willie Winston of Atlanta, Georgia and Rowe (Brown) Winston of Roanoke, Alabama; four (4) sisters-in-law: Maggie Polke of Jacksonville, Florida, Lurlene Person of Dayton, Ohio, Peggy Boddie of Atlanta, Georgia and Minnie Cargill of College Park, Georgia; eleven (11) grandchildren: JoQuetta Chappell, Xavier Hughley, Jalen Hughley, Kylan Sims, Dameion Ware, Savion Ware, Troy Ware, Jr., Trasena, Destiney, Isaac and Isiah; one (1) great grandchild, Tamera Chappell; and finaly special friends: James Parker, Jr., Orlando Shears, Jimmy Ware, Pierce Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.