Charlie C Lester

Mr. Charlie C. Lester was born November 14, 1946 in Dooly County, GA. He was born to the late Mr. Hilliard Lester, Jr. and the late Ms. Emma Mae Fudge Lester.  His siblings, Mr. Alvin Lester, Ms. Emma L. James and Mr. Calvin Lester, also preceded him in death.  Charlie was educated in the public school system of Dooly County.  He graduated from the Vienna High & Industrial School in Vienna, Georgia in June, 1968.  Charlie also received a Bachelor’s Degree from Savannah State University (formally Savannah State College) in May, 1968.  After graduation from college, Charlie was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 for a 3-year tour of duty.  Charlie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and united with the Reedy Branch Baptist Church in Byromville, Georgia at an early age.  Charlie joined the Maryland State Police on October 6, 1975 and retired on July 1, 2000. Charlie was assigned to the Forrestville Barrack after graduating from the academy. Charlie established himself as a well-rounded Trooper excelling in criminal and traffic enforcement.  In 1979 Charlie volunteered for the State Police’s brand-new unit, the S.T.A.T.E. Team.  This new unit was a Special Weapons and Tactics team, otherwise known as SWAT. This assignment was in addition to his primary duty assignment at the Forrestville Barrack.  Charlie was transferred from the Forrestville Barracks to the Violent Crime Strike Force in 1994 where he stayed until being assigned to the Emergency Operations Section which was later named the Special Operations Division.  Charlie remained in the Special Operations Division until his retirement from sworn law enforcement. Charlie was retired as a civilian contractual employee and assigned to the Special Operations Division again.  He eventually became a permanent, full-time employee working a total of over 45 years serving the citizens of Maryland, much of it within the Special Operations Division.  Charlie resigned his position on December 31, 2020.  Prior to being hired at the Maryland State Police, Charlie worked at Morgan State University as an Assistant Coach of the baseball program.   He leaves to cherish his memory, six loving sisters, Ms. Minnie F. James (Oscar) of Byromville, Georgia, Ms. Sandra J. McKenzie (Monty) of Austell, Georgia, Ms. Maggie P. Harris of Salisbury, North Carolina, Ms. Ella L. Wilcher (Willie) of Jacksonville, Florida, Ms. Joann L. Sutton (Johnny) of Covington, Georgia, Ms. Martha J. Lester-Harris (Sonny) of Durham, North Carolina, and Ms. Frances L. Gardner (Clifford) of Vienna, Georgia; two beloved brothers, Mr. Robert L. Lester (Brigitte) of Heidelberg, Germany, and Mr. Thaddeus J. Lester of Lilly, Georgia; and a sister-in-law, Ms. Elaine Lester; one aunt, Ms. Annie Kate Neal of Jacksonville, Florida; a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and many sorrowing friends. Charlie also leaves to cherish his memory a dear beloved friend and longtime companion, Ms. Iceleen Briley and a dear friend and brother Mr. Wesley Forchion.  Charlie’s Maryland State Police family that was forged through his 45 years of service to the citizens of Maryland will hold his memory in their hearts.  There are many other people whom Charlie loved and who loved him back, such as his trucking family, that will cherish the time they had with him. In respect of COVID the visitation and funeral service will be closed to the public; set to invitation only. For those that wish to 'attend' please visit the provided link for live streaming. https://youtu.be/F71VUwEG-dM To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charlie C Lester please visit our Sympathy Store.