- Date Of Birth: November 9, 1938
- Date Of Death: March 28, 2014
- State: Alabama
Charlie “Scat” was born November 9, 1938 in Limestone County, Alabama to the late James Eddie French and Bennie Lee Balentine French. He passed into eternal rest on March 25, 2014 at Huntsville Hospital.
At an early age, he confessed hope in Christ and joined Oakland United Methodist Church in Tanner, Alabama. He later joined St. Stephens P.B. Church. After serving at St. Stephens P. B. Church he felt a calling from God to serve at Garner Memorial C.M.E. Church where he labored until his death.
Charlie was a graduate of Lakeside High School where he led his team to many wins as the quarterback. Wanting to further his education, he matriculated to Alabama A&M University. He was an outstanding athlete in football and baseball.
He was a member of the Decatur Semi-Pro Football Team that had a 66-2 record and broke racial barriers known as the “Rough Riders.”
Charlie was employed with Fruehauf Corporation for 38 years as an Alloy Technician. He retired in 2000.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters; Julia French Mallory and Marrion “Puddin” Thompson.
He is survived by: a loving wife of 42 years, Jeanette Williams French; eight children, Kenneth Davis of Montgomery, Shannon “Tuffy” French of Decatur, Terence Jones of Forrest City, AR, Karen Porterfield of Cummings, GA, Tammy (Keenan)Pratt of Powder Springs, GA, Rosalin Williams, Shantel Williams (Myron) both of Decatur, Brandon (Natalie) French of Madison; two sisters, Earlean French Gray, Elizabeth (Curtis) Miller both of Decatur; one brother, Charles (Regina) Owens of Decatur; four sisters-in-law, Peggy (Hollis) Parker of Marietta, GA, Ann Boulden of Decatur, Mildred (Horace) Wyatt of Decatur, Faye (Sebrome) Ingram of Montgomery; three brothers-in-law, Johnny Robert Thompson of Decatur, Willie Williams of Spokane, WA and Roy Williams of Birmingham; 13 grandchildren, one special grand-daughter, Myia Williams; 7 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
