Celebrating the Life of Papa Charles…

Mr. Charles “Papa Charles” Fordham was born March 7, 1925. He was born to the proud parents of Samuel and Essie Mae Fordham in Bleckley County Georgia.

He left Georgia and joined the United States Navy.  He served from July 28, 1943 to January 4, 1946.  During his time in the Navy he met and fell in love with Ethel Little John, whom he married shortly after leaving the military.  Their union produced a junior, Charles Fordham Owens in September 1952.  Unfortunately, Marie passed away leaving her only son and her husband.

Mr. Fordham later retired from the United States Navy after several years of faithful service.  After his retirement from service, he decided to move to Massachusetts and connect with his only son.  Upon moving to Massachusetts, he was a domestic partner with Ruth where they lived in Dorchester, MA.  It was not long before he finally hit the jackpot in 1977 and he met the love of his life, Gladys Curry.

He was a natural entrepreneur and worked primarily for himself.  For anyone that knew Papa Charles or Chu Chu, they knew he liked to do what he liked, when he liked to do it.  So he earned a living doing a variety of things where he was the boss!

Papa Charles, as he was called, earned the respect of everyone he came in contact with.  He was especially funny and kind to the ladies.  He joined the Masonic Hiram Lodge #14.  He was elevated to Master Mason on January 6, 2006.  He was a dedicated member of the organization with his lodge brothers and he was also a member of the pool hall on Shawmut Avenue.

Charles Fordham devoted his life and legacy to his family. Charles was preceded in death by his soulmate Gladys Curry of Dorchester, MA.  He leaves to cherish his memory: siblings Robert Lee Fordham of Macon Georgia; Bessie Mae Dinkins of Jones County Georgia; and his first cousin, James Taylor of New Jersey.  He also has a host of nieces, nephews and extended family that loved him dearly.

Papa Charles was the biological father of two children; Charles Fordham Owens of South Easton, MA. and Delores Square of East Point, GA.  He was also a father to seven other children who he loved and cared for; Gail Curry Young of Dorchester, MA.; Barbara Curry of Randolph, MA.; Lynn Morton of Mattapan, MA., Willie Curry of Mattapan, MA.; Jerome Curry of Dorchester, MA.; Vinson Curry of Roxbury, MA.; and Freddie Curry of Springfield, MA.

Papa Charles was fortunate to have six grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren.

While he lies in peaceful sleep, his memory we shall always keep

Family and friends invited to attend visitation on Friday 9:00-11:00am in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS.  A Funeral Home Service will follow at 11:00am.  Burial in Mount Hope Cemetery, Boston.