Mr. Charles Edward Wallace

Charles Edward “Sugar Man” Wallace was born on July 19, 1946, to the late Eddie Wallace Sr. and Juner Mae (McCauley) Wallace in Lula, Mississippi. Charles was the fifth child born to this union. Brothers Rev. James Wallace Sr. and Eddie Wallace Jr. and sister, Earnestine Shell, preceded Charles in death. Throughout his schooling, Charles attended the Lula School System. After moving to Michigan in 1966, he began working for General Motors Truck and Coach in Pontiac, Michigan. Charles was a proud member of the UAW local 594 and devoted over 40 years of service to General Motors before retiring in the mid 2000s In September of 1965, Charles married his childhood sweetheart, Doris Jean Elam. This union produced several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charles and Doris’ bond and friendship was apparent and endured throughout his life. Sugar Man, as he was affectionately known, was the world’s greatest orator. As family would lovingly say, “a party don’t start till Sugar Man walks in the door”. When narrating, Charles would embody the sounds, facial expressions/movements and voices of the story. People were drawn to Charles’ charisma, accepting nature and infectious personality. Sugar Man loved life, and he loved people. As he would say, “a stranger is just a friend I haven’t made yet”. Charles joined and served faithfully at Redeemed Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Johnnie Alexander. Charles loved singing in the choir with his friend, Brother Ben, and loved talking about the power and importance of prayer and how good God had been to him. Charles “Sugar Man” was an avid Detroit Tigers baseball fan and never missed watching a Detroit Pistons basketball game. If ever at Charles’ home, you would be welcomed with baseball, basketball or western programs/movies on the television. Charles’ companion and “ride or die”, Betty Jean Pitts, loved and supported one another through the ups and downs and highs and lows of life. Their love was true and remained until Betty’s departure from this life in March of 2018. On June 5, 2025, Charles was surrounded by the love of his children, grandchildren and nieces, Carol Huff and India Wallace, when the Lord called him home. Although a void will be left in the hearts of those who loved him, the love and memories his family and friends are left with, will continually live on. Charles Edward “Sugar Man” Wallace leaves to cherish his memory his children: Andrea Wallace “Cookie”, Marlon Wallace, Cheryl Wallace “Sherry”, Eugina Baker, Asmar (Carmen) Shabazz [Anthony Hairston], Nicole (Eugene) Hairston, Ebonne’ (Hamzah) Abdur-Rahman and “Bonus Children” Shawn (Demetria) Hairston and Katisha Jones. Grandchildren: Tienna Wallace, BoResean Wallace, Kiesha Wallace, Alexis Tate, Jazlyn Wallace, Dominique (LeAntwone Sr.) Gist, Diamon Amos, Toni Kelli Hargress, Chance Hargress, Naudia Hargress, Aaron (Kailyn) Baker, Revin (Ashanta) Baker, Brina Lacy, Terrance Harris (deceased), Tekiyah Shabazz, Breyana Scott, Malik Shabazz, Charity English, Damon English, and Eryn English. He also leaves 29 great-grandchildren, sisters: Clevester Mills, Gladys Rice, Bernice (Booker) Kelley and Cathie Fields, sister-in-law Brenda Wallace and a host of adored nieces and nephews and treasured friends.

Mr. Charles Edward Wallace

July 19, 1946 - June 5, 2025