CHARLIE CHOICE JR.

Graveside services for Charlie Choice Jr. will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Historic Liberty Hill AME Church Cemetery, 2310 Liberty Church Road, Summerton, with the Rev. Keith R. Mayes officiating.

The public may view from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St., Sumter.

Mr. Choice transitioned on Friday, July 17, 2020, at his home in Sumter.

Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Charlie Sr. and Ethel Johnson Choice and the husband of Sheila Ragin Choice. He was educated in Sumter County Schools and attended Ebenezer High School. His Christian journey began at High Hills AME Church, Dalzell. Charlie served on the trustee board, the gospel choir and the male chorus. Serving the Lord through his songs, some of those notable songs included "I'll Be Alright," "When the Saints Go Marching In" and his signature song, "Lord, You've Been Good to Me." Charlie was a faithful member of the "Original World Wonders" for 32 years. He was also a founding member of the "Hill Boys," Master Mason and a lifetime member of Catchall Masonic Lodge 425.

Affectionately known as "CC," he was formerly employed at Shaw Air Force Base, Becker Gravel and Sand, Laidlaw (later known as Safety Kleen), Allied Waste, Sumter School District 2 and Sumter School District. Charlie worked at Laidlaw for more than 25 years and retired as a supervisor.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was predeceased by two daughters, Pamela Denise and LaShonda Tomeka; his siblings, Estelle Frazier, Sam Jacobs, Willie Mae Singleton, Rosa Mae Bolden and Ethel Lee Gavin.

Survivors are his loving wife, Sheila Ragin Choice of Sumter; his children, Nicholas Dimitri Ragin of San Diego, California, Durell Antoine (Leighandra) Mitchell of Dalzell, Carolyn Michelle Choice, Judith Ann (Harold) Jackson and Charlene Delores Mitchell of Sumter; his grandchildren, Sherricka Montese Sheppard, Heartlyn Yvonne Miller, Taylor Chauntell Miller, Clayton Jamar "CJ" Miller Jr., Mason Durell Mitchell, Preston Marcellos James and Sir William Charles James; one great-grandson, Kylan Chavis Sheppard; one sister, Amelia Dawson of Charlotte, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Condolences may be made on his tribute page found at PalmerMemorialChapel.com.

Professional services rendered by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc.