Charles J Stroughter

Charles J. Stroughter was born on August 28th, 1942, in Dumas, Arkansas, to Mott and Mae Leslie Stroughter. Charles grew up in a loving family, along with his two brothers and two sisters.  The family moved from Dumas, Arkansas to East St. Louis in the early 1950’s to seek a better future for their children. 

Growing up, in East St. Louis, Charles was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church and attended Lincoln Senior High School where he graduated in 1961. After high school, Charles joined the Army where he completed a tour of duty in Europe.  It was there that he discovered his talent and love of basketball, which led him to earn a scholarship to the University of Portland.  During his college basketball career, he played amongst the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  Charles graduated with a BA in Journalism, in 1968.

After college he started a career in news reporting and public broadcasting.  He even experimented with radio, where he became one of the first black DJs in Portland, going by the name “Soul Finger”. Charles would later acquire a position at Pacific Northwest Bell, later known as Qwest Communications, where he became a Salesman for the Yellow Pages. He excelled amongst his peers, traveling through the state of Oregon, receiving many accolades for his hard work and dedication. Charles retired after a 25-year career with Yellow Pages.

Charles was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  He was also a member of the Billy Webb Elks Lodge #1050, where he served as Treasurer.  Charles established lifelong friendships, brotherhood and gained extended family while being associated with both organizations. Charles was a pillar in the community and was well-respected.  He was tall in stature, with a personality to match.  Charles acquired popularity being a well-known bartender at the Cotton Club and at Geneva’s, where it was hard to miss his infectious smile.

In his retirement years, Charles loved working in his yard (where he always had the most beautiful flowers), traveling, being “Papa” to his grandchildren, and chilling on the couch, watching his favorite Western “Gunsmoke” or his favorite team, the Lakers.  More than anything, Charles enjoyed spending time with his family. He always looked forward to Christmas Eve, as he made it a tradition of food, laughter, and gift giving. 

Charles is preceded in death by his parents Mott and Mae Leslie Stroughter, his sister Mary Stroughter Fields, his brothers Theatru Stroughter and Carl Joe Stroughter his son Anthony Stroughter, and his wife Gary Ann Taylor. Charles leaves a legacy of love survived by his baby sister Delores Stroughter Bingham, his children Nikki Parks, Justin Stroughter, Catherine Stroughter, and Memory Taylor, as well as 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

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