Charles Robert Wilks was born on March 17, 1948, to his birthmother the
late Lovie Lee Butler in Winona, Texas. Soon after, he was adopted and raised
by the late Johnnie and Bettie Wilks.  As a child Charles attended elementary
and middle school in Gladewater ISD. Charles attended Weldon High School
in Gladewater and graduated May 26, 1966, where he was an inspiration to
his family.  After graduation, he later attended Bishop College in Dallas,
Texas.

Charles found true love when he met and married the love of his life and
soul mate Clarris Mae. Shortly after that Charles Robert and Clarris Mae
were united in holy matrimony on October 26, 1968, at Allen Chapel A.M.E.
Church in Coolidge, Texas. They shared a life of loving marital bliss for the
next 56 years.  After a few years of employment, Charles enlisted into the
United States Army where he served for the next four years. He was stationed
in Germany most of his service time. At the end of his fourth year, he was
honorably discharged.

Charles heard and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ at a young age and
received Jesus as his personal savior.  He united with and was baptized at
Powell Chapel Baptist Church in Winona, Texas. While living in Dallas, he
became a member of the Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
under the leadership of the late Dr. Karry Don Wesley. Charles was a faithful
member for many years, and he really loved listening to the Antioch Male
Chorus.

Throughout his life, Charles enjoyed watching all kinds of sports. He
previously worked at LTV, Nordco, and the Railroad before he retired. He
was even an entrepreneur back in the day having his own delivery service.
Charles was employed by Amazon at the time of his transition .

Charles is preceded in death by, Lovie Lee Butler (Charles' Birth Mother),
his parents, Johnnie and Bettie Wilks. His siblings - Frances Tatum, Gaynell
Butler Taylor, Alvin Butler, and Carolyn Butler. He leaves behind his loving
and devoted wife of 56 years, Clarris Mae Wilks, along with their cherished
children: daughter LaWanda S. Henderson, and sons Christopher Deon
Wilks, Charles Jermaine Wilks, and Craig Ramon Wilks. Charles' memory
will forever live on through his eight grandchildren: Jermarcus Coleman,
Corey Coleman, Chrissenia Wilks, Christopher Wilks II, Jermausha Wilks,
Chassity Wilks, Braylon Wilks, and Jasmine Wilks. Additionally, he is
survived by ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews who
will always remember him fondly. He also leaves behind two brothers, Perfice
Atkins and Curley Choice, and three sisters, Shirley Butler, Era Butler, and
Francis Butler Campbell. The family mourns alongside six brothers-in
law, five sisters-in-law, and numerous other relatives and friends who were
touched by his presence. His legacy of love and devotion will be forever
remembered by all who knew him