Charles Yoakum's Obituary
Charles Deadmon Yoakum, Jr. was born on December 20, 1943 in Honey Grove TX to Charles Deadmon, Sr. and Gertie Mae Yoakum. He is predeceased by both parents. Charles departed this life on Tuesday, May 2, 2018.Charles spent his early years in Honey Grove and as a young teen he and his family moved to California. He attended both Berkeley and Oakland Schools. At Berkeley High he was on the track team as a cross country runner. Charles had many friends and was a peaceful and happy young man. He graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1962. He then attended Laney College where he completed training as a welder.As a teenager Charles attended Ephesian’s Church of God in Christ and sang in the church choir. It was there that he met Bettie Stillwell. They married in 1963 and of that union Charles S. Yoakum was born. He later met and married Virginia Yoakum; they were married for 16 years.Charles worked as a welder throughout his lifetime and was a member of the Boilermakers Union for over 40 years. He enjoyed fishing when not working. He was an avid fisherman and loved both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Charles was well loved by a multitude of people. Many that knew him only referred to him as “Smiley”; Charles had a quiet spirit and a good heart.He is survived by his son Charles Sr. (Shirley), two grandchildren Charles Jr. and Charlene Yoakum and one great grandchild, Zoey Bolden; his sisters Rose Collins, Stella Lockhart and Susan Rayford and a brother, Kenneth Rayford; his stepson, Eric Darby (Josette) and two former wives; a special friend Dorothy and her daughter who he loved dearly; an aunt Linda Denson; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of other loving family and friends.
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