Wesley Dean Charles

February 9, 2022 |

 

Wesley Dean Charles, age 70, of Maylene, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 7, 2022. Born January 27, 1952 in Pikeville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Jesse Charles and Belva Goff Charles. His family moved to Buchanan County Virginia when Dean was five years old. He was a graduate of Grundy High School and East Tennessee State University. Afterwards, Dean began selling drilling supplies for the mining industry and was transferred to Alabama in 1978. He and his family resided in Maylene until his passing. He dedicated many years coaching his two sons in youth baseball and working with the Dixie Youth program. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting. Dean was an active member of Alabaster First United Methodist Church, where he served as chair of the Board of Trustees for the past three years. He had a passion for helping and serving others. He never hesitated to travel long distances to help with disaster relief. For several years he worked with Cutters for Christ, a disaster response ministry.

Dean was preceded in death by two sisters, Pat Ritchie Skaggs and June Ramey and one brother, Wayne Ed Charles. Survivors include his loving wife of fifty years, Jennifer Ratliff Charles; sons Wesley Charles of Honolulu Hawaii and Jesse Charles of Maylene, Alabama; brother Jimmy “Buck” Charles and wife Phyllis of Bland, Virginia, and sister-in-law Sandra Charles of Vansant, Virginia; mother-in- law Grace Addison Ratliff of Oakwood, Virginia; sister-in-law Sherri Ratliff Dawson of Abingdon, Virginia; brother-in-law Chris Ratliff and wife Lisa of Oakwood, Virginia; brother-in-law Charles (Chuck) Ratliff and wife Veronica of Oakwood, Virginia and many nieces and nephews. He loved people and was always willing to help any friend or stranger in need. His heart and smile will live on with those whose lives he has touched.

Dean’s funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 at Alabaster First United Methodist Church in Alabaster, Alabama, Friday, February 11, 2022 with Reverends Arthur Harrison and Reid Turner officiating. The family will receive visitors from 12:00-1:00 prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to Alabaster First United Methodist Church 10903 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL 35007.

Posted in Obituaries

12 Comments

  1. Vicki Howell on February 9, 2022 at 6:40 pm

    Jennifer, I’m so sorry , praying for you and your family!🙏❤️



  2. Tommie Harrison on February 9, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    We are so sad to know that Dean is no longer with us, but thankful that he is with God. We loved and cherished our friendship with him and his family. He was a wonderful man, husband, and father. We will miss him. Our love and prayers are with Jennifer and the boys.



  3. Brenda ward on February 9, 2022 at 10:40 pm

    Jenny , I am so sorry! You and your boys are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you loads of love! Brenda Ward



  4. Tammy prater on February 9, 2022 at 11:31 pm

    Jenny,
    Gary and I want to let you know how sorry we are to hear of Deans passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your precious family.
    May God wrap his arms around you, and give you comfort.



  5. Faye Perkins Street on February 10, 2022 at 1:30 am

    Jennifer & family, I am so sorry for your loss! I’m praying for all of you. Love you.



  6. Carol Sexton on February 10, 2022 at 10:04 am

    Jennifer, I know you have lost your best friend. My heart breaks for you. We have been neighbors for 21 years and I have watched you and Dean be the hands and feet of Jesus for all those years. Jumping on his lawn mower cutting grass for elderly neighbors, taking them soup, cutting fallen trees and just sharing a kind word. Opening your home for bible study to you church family. You two are examples of kindness and love. He was a good man and he will be truly missed. I love you, my sweet neighbor.



  7. Lana Davis on February 10, 2022 at 10:45 pm

    Jenny, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Many, many prayers for you and your family.



  8. Ron Ratliff on February 11, 2022 at 4:22 am

    Prayers for Jennifer and Family…Dean was a Great person and FRIEND…



  9. Barbara Dill on February 11, 2022 at 6:04 am

    Jenny and family, just can’t imagine that he has left this earth. I always loved being around Dean—he kept us laughing and uplifted us with his positive spirit. May God give you strength through this time of deep grief.
    Love and prayers, Greg & Bobbie



  10. Cathy Grill on February 11, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    Jennifer,
    We are sorry for your loss! Dean was a very special person and will be missed by many . You and your family are in our hearts.



  11. Dale and Prissy Gray on February 16, 2022 at 10:19 pm

    Jennifer,

    We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Dean. Please know that you and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.



  12. Jill Scott on February 22, 2022 at 2:10 pm

    Jennifer, I am so sorry. Prayers for you and the boys.