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Charles Edward Fondren, a longtime resident of Selma, Alabama, died on February 21, 2021 at his home. He was attended in death by his children. Charles (Charlie), was born at home in Hale County, on December 3, 1945. He was the 10th of 13th children born to Clara Claudine Fondren (Owens), and Thomas Monroe Fondren, he was their 7th son, one of 9 boys.

His brothers, Glenn Travis, Otha Calhoun, James Clyde, Theo, Claudie, Clonnie, Thomas McGlawn, and his sisters Katy Elaine Scurlock (Dan), and Brenda Kay Fondren (died in infancy), all predeceased him. Charlie is survived by his sisters Mary Lois Dunkin (Robert), Annie Ruth Spencer (Donald), and his youngest brother Ronnie Fondren (Rita).

Charlie was a beloved Father to four children, Jason Monroe Fondren (Helena), Charles Kevin Fondren (Patricia), Kimberly Lynn Fondren, Esq. (James Ward, PhD), Rhonda Kay Fondren Hall (Chad). He had numerous grandchildren. Two of his grandchildren predeceased him, to his great sorrow, Christopher John Lovelady, and Katharine Helen Ward. He loved all of his grandchildren. He had numerous great grandchildren, he adored them, and provided all his grandchildren with many memories, and an eclectic collection of old tools, including hatchets and hammers, pen-knives, air-guns, hunting rifles, and fishing rods. Charlie was an employee of Pepsi Cola Bottling of Selma, for nearly 50 years. He started as a vending machine repairman, ran the bottling plant, later worked in sales, and then ran the warehouse. He was a hardworking, dedicated employee. He never asked more from those who worked for him than he did himself.

Charlie has chosen not to have a funeral. His children plan a memorial gathering and tree planting for a later date. Charlie told a great story, was always ready to help a friend or neighbor, and loved the outdoors. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Outdoor Friends Forever in his memory. Outdoor Friends Forever pairs people with special needs and people with special talents and helps form a bond with the outdoors that will last forever. You can donate in Charlie’s memory at http://www.outdoorfriendsforever.com.