John Charles Cameron V (Age 73) passed away peacefully on January 28, 2021, Charles is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ann Cameron, and one brother: Paul Cameron (Sydni Roberson) of Glen Ellen, CA. Charles leaves behind a daughter, Kelli (Jason) Cox of Atlanta, GA and son, John (Elizabeth) of Memphis. He was known as Da, because it was the first syllable out of his first grandaughter’s mouth, by his seven grandchildren: Abigail Cox, Madelyn Cox, Sarah Ann Cameron, Naomi Cox, Thomas Cameron, Michael Cameron, and Anabelle Cox.
Charles was a graduate of White Station High School (1965), Davidson College, Boston University, and the University of Memphis and was a US Army Veteran. He worked as an accountant for several companies before changing careers, teaching for many years at Wooddale HIgh School. He coached several sports, including softball, track, baseball and golf.
Charles never let a volunteer opportunity go unfilled. He coached his children’s basketball, baseball, and softball teams. Referees ejected him from more than one game.
He taught Sunday School at First and Trinity Baptist Churches. He served at Cubmaster for Pack 241 at Christ United Methodist Church. He drove the van to pick up elderly ladies for Sunday School. He served as a Deacon and went on many youth group trips, even when he didn’t like the music.
He never met a stranger, with language being no obstacle. He never missed an opportunity to teach, retiring only reluctantly before extending his classroom to Gibson’s Donuts and Mattei’s Garage. He would have told you that the Red Sox were his favorite baseball team, though he never missed a Cardinals game. He loved the Tigers and the Grizzlies, but couldn’t keep from rooting for Steph Curry.
Charles loved music and met many up and coming musicians as the Student Union director at Davidson College. He sang in the church choir as long as he could. He would have loved singing high tenor in a gospel quartet, but might have settled for being the Fifth Top. His grandchildren are still making good use of his record collection.
He loved deeply and unconditionally.
His funeral will be Thursday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 8899 Trinity Road, followed by a graveside service at noon.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to Trinity Baptist Church, Cordova
Published in The Commercial Appeal from Feb. 3 to Feb. 4, 2021.