Charles Columbus Wathington, the son of the late Otis and Melissa Wathington, was born on October 12, 1942. He grew up in Cliffwood, NJ, the fourth of ten children. He attended Matawan Regional High School and had an illustrious career as a Huskies football player earned All-Shore, All-County, and All-State honors under the coaching of Barry Rizzo until he graduated in the class of 1962.
After his high school career, Charlie played Semi-Pro football as well as baseball for the Negro Leagues. He participated in athletics well into his retirement and earned many championship awards during his days on the playing fields.
In 1963, Charlie met the love of his life, Jennifer Dorine Gray, at a fair in Matawan, NJ. Inseparable they were, as they courted for two years until Charlie asked Jennifer for her hand in marriage in 1965. While planning for their big day, their engagement lasted for two years, and in 1967, adorned in a white gown of peau de soi, Jennifer married Charlie. They were the first couple to be married by Rev. J. Roland Hunter at the Second Baptist Church (SBC) in Keyport, NJ. Excited about their nuptials, the two quickly left for their honeymoon in Bermuda. Six years later, the couple's first and only child was born Dorine Marie. After 54 years of marriage, Charlie had consistently shown to be a loving and devoted husband and father. He poured everything he had into caring for his wife and daughter.
Charlie's charismatic personality was infectious, and he was always willing to help anyone. He loved to be with his family and friends. He hardly ever said no because he always looked for the good in people.
Charlie has been a faithful member of the Second Baptist Church of Keyport, serving as a former President of the SBC choir and Chairman of the trustee board. His most memorable gifts were his ability and passion for singing. He sang in the SBC choir and with his brothers, Bill and Otis, called "The Wathington Brothers." Throughout his life, at every church service or birthday party, Charlie was called upon to bless us with his amazing voice.
Charlie is predeceased by his parents Otis and Melissa Wathington, Brother Theodore Wathington, Alonzo Wathington, nephew Bennett Jackson, and niece Melissa Wathington.
The memories of his life are cherished by his loving wife of 54 years, Jennifer Wathington of Aberdeen, NJ, his daughter Dorine Wathington (Jerrell) of Aberdeen, NJ, and his only grandson Bryson Charles Moore. Three brothers: Otis Wathington (Patricia), Tampa, FL; William Wathington (Rita), Old Bridge, NJ; and Alfonso Wathington (Marilyn), Freehold, NJ. Four sisters: Lillian Parrish, Cliffwood NJ; Mary Jane Johnson, Willingboro, NJ; Beverly Jackson Cliffwood, NJ; and Patricia Wathington. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved and adored him.
R.I.P. “Chaz”..”You’re voice put “People”and “The Wathington Brothers” on a Spiritual Level…Thank you for allowing me to be a part of those wonderful times..Always in my heart..
I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. I am Bill Findley; I was one of the founding members, along with the Wathington brothers, of the band People that played at the Tin Lizzie in Sayreville in the early 70’s. I was the organ player. Many great memories of our time playing together. My condolences to Jennifer, Otis, Willie and all the other family members. I live in the Pocono’s in Pennsylvania. I am going to try to make it to the service, it is about a 2 1/2-hour drive from my house. “You have been listening to the sound of People, Johnny on base, Tommy on drums, Clem on lead guitar, Charlie, Willie, and Otis up front, and yours truly Bill on the organ”
To Jennifer and Daughter,
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. May God strengthen and comfort you at this time.
My condolences to family and friends
Jennifer, many caring thoughts are with you at this moment. May God’s loving strength guide you.