Charles Edward Thackston

Charles Edward Thackston, known affectionately to all as Pooh Bear, embarked on his final adventure on August 20, 2024, after a lifetime of laughter, love, and the occasional mischievous prank. Born on November 7, 1974, in Marietta, Georgia, Charles was a man who lived life with the joy and enthusiasm of a stand-up comedian on a sold-out night.

Charles attended Cherokee High School, where he was more likely to be remembered for his witty one-liners than his algebra skills. After school, he took on the iron-willed profession of an ironworker, a job that was as tough as his playful spirit. His colleagues would often find themselves in stitches, not from the work, but from Charles's endless supply of jokes and shenanigans.

Family was the cornerstone of Charles's world. He shared a love with his wife, Tammy Goss Thackston, that could have easily been the plot of a romantic comedy. Together, they raised a daughter, Olivia Crawford, who inherited her father's quick wit and kind heart. Charles's son-in-law, Alex Crawford, was more than just a match for Olivia; he was a son- whom he loved to share old stories with. Gene, Billy, Dwight Hembree, and Willie Thackston, his band of brothers, along with his sister-in-law’s Connie and Ally, all had front-row seats to the Charles Thackston show, a spectacle of humor and warmth that never needed an intermission.

Charles's love for his fur babies, Ace, Sam, and his grand-pup, Reece, was as boundless as his capacity for joy. He spoiled them rotten, and they, in turn, gave him endless material for his comedic monologues. Friends often joked that Charles's pets had more charisma than most people, a testament to the love and attention they received from their favorite human.

No weekend was complete without Charles spending time with his family, Whether he was casting a line while fishing, conquering trails on a hike, or planning his next laugh-out-loud moment, he was the life of every party. And let's not forget the trips to the casino—Charles was a man who knew how to roll the dice, both literally and figuratively, and he always did it with a smile.

Cutting up with the kids was one of Charles's signature moves; he was the uncle who would teach you the art of the perfect whoopee cushion placement and the father who could turn a simple board game into an evening of rip-roaring entertainment. His home was a haven for fun, a place where seriousness checked its coat at the door.

Charles's interests weren't confined to the terrestrial, either. Hiking brought him closer to the sky, where he'd often say he was "just checking out the view from above, scouting out the best fishing spots for later."

The world was Charles's stage, and he played every part with gusto. From the iron beams high above to the laughter-filled halls of his home, he left an indelible mark on every person lucky enough to be part of his audience. Charles Edward Thackston may have taken his final bow, but the echoes of his laughter will be the encore that lasts a lifetime.