November 19, 1937 – August 3, 2024

Charles Robert Patrick, Sr. was born in Chambers County, Alabama, to Annie Watkins via a midwife in his aunt's home. He was the oldest of 3 sons, all named after British royalty. Annie married Arthur Patrick, who adopted Charles. She later gave birth to his brothers William (preceded in death) and Thomas.

While he had a normal childhood, Charles' athletic ability was not normal when he entered high school. Charlie Robert (as he was known in high school) was an all-round jock playing football and baseball. He was the starting running back at Cobb Avenue High School. He earned All-County, All-Conference, and All-State Honors. Several times, he was featured in the Anniston Star newspaper and recognized with an Honorable Mention in the same paper's All-Decade Football Team (1945-1959). Upon graduation in 1958, he accepted a football scholarship to Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Unfortunately, a major knee injury ended his college football career.

All children think their father is a superhero, but the Patrick children saw that firsthand. Little did we know our father was a huge deal in Anniston, AL. We saw how big he was during our annual summer trip back down to Anniston for the Cobb High School alumni picnic week. Every summer, we'd pack up the Buick and go down to Alabama to the dreaded heat and endless outside events hosted by his close-knit high school class. Years later, a former NFL player would tell us that he idolized our Dad growing up in Anniston.

Football wasn't the only area where he excelled. In high school, he was very popular and was voted best dressed.

After college, Charles made his way north to Chicago, following relatives who had relocated to the city. He envisioned a better life and more opportunities of the Great Migration. One evening, while hanging out with his friend Robert Williams, they were approached by two sisters, Patricia and Eloise Purnell. Patricia would go on to say that she immediately knew Charles was going to be her husband. They were married in Chicago, Illinois, in November 1961. In a funny twist of fate, Eloise marries his friend Robert. Together, Pat and Charles had 5 children. Charles Jr. Debra, Teresa, Kendra, Nicole.

From an early age, Charles was a hard worker. A trait he'd carry on throughout his life and one that would pass down generations. One of his first jobs was as a shoeshine kid outside the Anniston movie theater when he was only 9, and he would continue to be a dependable worker. He was a truck driver for Goodwill and eventually started in Facility Management at Proviso West High School. During his tenure, he rose through the ranks and became the Head Equipment Manager for the school. He also worked in Facility Management at Triton College for 25 years before retirement.

Many things brought joy to Charles' life. He was an avid sports fan of the Bears, Blackhawks, wrestling, and other sports, but his favorite team was the Loveable Losers-Chicago Cubs. No matter how bad they played, he always held out hope. "Maybe next year" was uttered too many times to count. His greatest joy was watching the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. Charles was also a huge fan of Western movies, and every time we visited him, he would have the Western channel on at full blast. He was also a good cook. His kids and grandkids enjoyed his famous Salmon Croquette, often served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After he retired, he also enjoyed listening to the Blues and even purchased a base guitar to learn to play.

Charles and Patricia would go on to raise their family in Maywood and Bellwood, IL, and watch their children and grandchildren grow and lead productive lives. He would continue to be a driving force for them and model hard work and dedication.

He remained great friends with many of his classmates. The Cobb Avenue High School Class of 1958 had a Chicago chapter where he served as Vice President. Unlike most high school classes, they had annual picnics every summer, and alumni from across the country would trek back to Anniston for a week-long celebration at a pace that exhausted even their children.

Charles was widowed in 1997 when his wife Patricia passed away from a prolonged illness. He cared for her until the end.

Charles would go on to find love again. He married his long-term companion Willie Nelson (Render), and they had an unbreakable bond for decades. Willie would become his primary caregiver in the last quarter of his life. After they both retired, they would travel the country and share love and life again. She was by his side, loved him fiercely, and was his best friend until the Lord called him home.

Charles was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Debra, and his brother, William. He leaves to cherish his life a devoted wife, Willie, his children Charles Patrick Jr, Teresa Patrick, Kendra Pitts (Terry), and Nicole Jacobs (Brandon). His grandchildren Kesha, Kortney, Korey and Kayla Patrick, Lauren and Brooklynn Jacobs, Ryan and Tyler Pitts, and 8 great- grandchildren. His step-grandson, John Render (JR), who helped care for him. His stepchildren and their children. His closest childhood friend, James Ferrell, cousins, many dear friends, neighbors, and brother Thomas.

How do you summarize the life of someone who had few public accolades but is best known as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend? Although his legacy will not be a matter of publc record- the impact and importance of what he meant to his family is everlasting.

Visitation Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service 11:30 am at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside. Interment Oakridge Cemetery. Info:800-562-0082