Charles Edwin Malone was born on February 24, 1932, in Edinburg, MS, to Dallas and Bertha Malone. He died on February 22, 2022, at Lackey Memorial Hospital in Forest, MS.  A committed Christian, faithful husband, and loving father and grandfather, he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by family and friends.

Charles spent his early childhood in Edinburg, MS, growing up in a close circle of family and friends along Lobutcha Creek. His family moved to Gulfport, MS, in 1942 and eventually settled in Ridgeland, MS. Charles graduated from Ridgeland High School in 1950.

Immediately following high school graduation, Charles enlisted in the US Navy and served for 4 years on a landing ship tank (LST) in the Pacific. Frequent ports of call were in Korea, Japan, Hawaii, California, and Alaska. Charles frequently spoke of his Navy service as a great honor and positive impact on his life.

Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, Charles took advantage of the GI bill and enrolled at Hinds Junior College. Active in the Baptist Student Union, his first date with future wife Glenda Rush was at a Baptist Student Union Valentine's banquet.  Charles graduated from Hinds in 1956 and then continued his education at Louisiana State University where he became an avid Tiger fan and proficient ping pong player. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1958.

Charles married his  college sweetheart, Glenda Rush, in 1961, beginning their married life in Jackson, then moving to Meridian and Scooba before settling in Clinton in 1973. Charles was a resident of Clinton at the time of his death. Charles began his work life as a claims adjuster for several insurance companies before entering public service, first at East Mississippi Junior College, and then working for multiple State of Mississippi agencies. His last position was a job site auditor for the Department of Economic Development.

Charles took great joy in serving others, beginning with his family, and extending to his church and community.  An active member of First Baptist Church, Clinton, he was an integral part of the nursing home ministry for over 30 years. He also served his church family as usher chairman. He enjoyed making beautiful wood furniture and art pieces for his family and friends, and he took care of God's creation as an avid recycler.

Proceeded in death by his parents, his brother, Dwight Malone, and wife, Glenda, Charles is survived by his son, Charles Rush Malone (Lea Ann) of Forest, MS, daughter Ellen Marie Malone of Clinton, MS, granddaughters Anna Malone of Troy, AL, and Sarah Malone of Florence, MS, sisters Helen Morton of Boca Raton, FL, and Jeanette Gaboardi (Charlie) of Tallahassee, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on February 24 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, MS. The funeral service will be held on February 25 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Clinton, MS, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Following the funeral service, a graveside service will be held at Union United Methodist Church Cemetery in Kemper County at 3:30 PM.