Charles E. Gale, Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On the afternoon of Saturday January 4, 2020 at 2:05 p.m. at Jefferson Hospital, The Angels of Silence came into the room of Charles Edward Gale, Sr., while being surrounded by his loving wife, Wilma Theresa, children and family members, closed his eyes and entered into a heavenly sleep. His soul winged its flight from this world of sin, sorrow and pain to a place of eternal rest. This is a direct testament in whom he believed; Jesus Christ, his LORD, SAVIOR and GOD. In the year of our Lord, September 2, 1950, Charles Edward Gale, Sr., was born to the late James and Thelma White Gale. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and resided in that area until his teenage years. He was reared in the Catholic faith and was formally educated in the Catholic School system. His family migrated to Bristol Borough where he then attended Bishop Eagan High School in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. He later transferred to the Bristol Borough School District as a junior. He was a dominant player on the basketball team and went on to be selected as an All Area Leading Scorer. Charles also played football and ran track, however, his "par excellence" was on the basketball court. Affectionately known as Charlie by family and friends, he graduated from Bristol High School and attended Cheyney State University. After leaving college, he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps from September 1, 1970 through June 1, 1978. He served his country proudly for 8 years and was given an honorable discharge. He is married to his wife for 36 years and has 4 children; Charles Edward Gale, Jr., (Llana) Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Kimberly Gale, Bristol, Pennsylvania, Ashley Gale (Sha) Willingboro, New Jersey, and Travis Sr., Bristol, Pennsylvania. They also have 6 grandchildren: Joshua, Charles Edward III, Logan, Kendall Lewis, Travis Jr., and Rahkier. Over the years, Charlie was employed with several companies and eventually was engaged as a bus driver for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority or better known as SEPTA. He remained employed until unforeseen illness necessitated an early retirement. Several years ago, Charlie and Theresa founded the organization known as The Afro American Association of Bristol. Their goal was to raise monies for scholarships to be awarded to the African American students in the Bristol area. They engaged the help of local citizens and convinced Bristol Borough to set aside a day in August every year to celebrate the accomplishments of past and present African American citizens. This is still in effect today and later members who took over the organization continued their vision which ultimately lead to the erection of the Harriet Tubman Statue at the Bristol Waterfront. When they were no longer at the helm of the organization, they continued to be actively involved in the Clinton J. Lewis Lodge #201 of Bristol and other civic associations in the borough. In 2018, Charles was inducted into the Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame along with his daughter, Ashley for their basketball accomplishments. His son Travis Sr. would soon follow and become a member of that elite group of Bristol athletes in 2019. In total, 5 Gale members played basketball in Bristol. Charlie Sr. total point gain was 1,053, Charlie Jr. 351, Kimberly 195, Ashley 1,860 and Travis Sr. 1535. This comes to a grand total of 4491 points. The smile that he would always have on his face could not capture the pride he had in his heart for the success his children achieved through basketball. Charlie was always a gracious host and the life of the party. He and Theresa hosted many family affairs at their home and he would always prepare excellent meals. His barbecues are a time when family and friends would gather together for a day of fun, laughter and fellowship. Every morning, he and Theresa would have coffee and breakfast (which he prepared) along with his sister-in-law Katie. We will miss his presence at these gatherings but we will continue them in his honor. Family members who have preceded him in death; parents James and Thelma Gale, his father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William B. Keys, Sr., brother-in-law Lonnie Bryant, nephew Jerome A. (Jerry) Wood Jr., and sister-in-law Katie Mae Woods. Charles leaves behind to rejoice in his life and cherish his memory his loving wife Wilma Theresa, 4 children, 6 grandchildren, 2 sisters, Maxine Deadmon, Dallas, Texas, Wanda Wheeler, Bristol, Pennsylvania, 4 sisters-in-laws, Barbara Rollinson, Quincy, Florida, Lucy Wood, Quincy, Florida, Carol Bryant, Levittown, Pennsylvania, Madeline Keys-Whitley, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, 4 brothers-in-laws, Jerome A. Wood, Sr. (Annie), Landenberg, Pennsylvania, William B. Keys, Jr., Bristol, Pennsylvania, Samuel J. Keys, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Wayne A. Keys, Sr., (Lisa) Clearwater, Florida and John Cortez (Debbie) Levittown, Pennsylvania, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. As is our tradition, we were together on Christmas Eve celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, SUDDENLY from our presence… Psalm 116:18 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Although we mourn, we rejoice to know that we will see him again.

Charles E. Gale, Sr.

September 2, 1950 - January 4, 2020