Charles William Starling
Charles William Starling, age 91, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
He was born Sept. 26, 1931 in Dalton, Georgia. He was a graduate of Emery Street School. He was a member of Bethel A. M. E. Church where he served as steward for many years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army in the 24th Infantry Regiment where he served in the Korean War and was a Prisoner of War. He was later Honorably Discharged and awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery.
He worked for Shaw Industries where he was one of the first African American professional truck drivers for the company. He was once president of the Lions Club of Tunnel Hill and a member of the York Right Masonic Lodge. He was family oriented, enjoyed grilling, and being a handyman around the house.
He was preceded by his parents, Prince Starling and Jessie Dillard Starling; and siblings, Clifford Burse, Parazae Burse, Trammell Starling, Flossie Starling Taylor, Barbara Cobb Fields, and Leatha Mae Constant.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Arvella Gertrude Starling; devoted children, Rev. Dr. Angela Starling, Marcus William (Dr. Cordia) Starling, and Sonia Yvette Starling; six grandchildren, Russell (Charlene) Wheeler IV, Attorney Ryan Wheeler, Shannon (Tory) Chatmon, Mallory (Ibrahim Songowa) Starling, Justin (Deanna) Broome, and Jessica Broome; nine great grandchildren, Chai, Rhylie, Russell Wheeler V, Micah Dembele, Jaylynn, Nora, Arianna Broome, Jayden and Maliyah Chatmon; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Scott, Georgia (Hobert) Harris, and Lillian Miller; a host of caring nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Homegoing Service will be Sunday, March 26, at 1 p.m. at Willis Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Angela Starling, eulogist and Dr. Jerry D. Jones, presiding.
His remains will lie in state on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour at the funeral home. Interment will be at West Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Willis Funeral Home, Dalton, Ga.