Charles R Wyche

Obituary

Charles R. Wyche, son of (the late) George Wyche, Sr. and Alice Belches-Wyche was born on October 16, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York.  He was the youngest of ten children.

Charles grew up on Dean Street, the family later moved to Fort Greene Houses in Brooklyn. While his siblings were much older than him, Charles had three nephews (predeceased) and one niece, Barbara Mercer, around his age that grew up like siblings.   Although Charles was very sickly growing up as a child, he remained very active. 

Charles received his early childhood education through the NYC public school system, attending Elementary School PS 83 and Junior High School 217 (while there he played the Bells in the School Band), and in June 1960 he graduated from Boys High School in Brooklyn.

Charles was a dedicated member of the Berean Missionary Baptist Church, in Brooklyn.  Known for his unwavering faith and commitment to serving others, he was involved in the Youth Lay League, Usher Board, the Young People’s Choir, Cherup Choir, Temple Choir, as well as participating in other church functioning activities. He was a member of the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and later became a Boy Scout Leader and a coordinator of the Boy Scouts Band at the church. 

Charles had a thirst for higher education.  In September 1960 he enrolled in Brooklyn Community College and later attended Long Island University where he received his degree in Business and Accounting. 

Charles was united in holy matrimony to (the late) Jeanette Taggart in June 1963. They were blessed with one daughter, Deitra Wyche. Sadly, on November 1, 1994, Jeanette passed away after a lengthy illness.

After graduating from college Charles went to work for Texaco Oil company. After working years as an accountant for various companies, Charles and two of his friends, Thom Quash, and Ray Trotman (both deceased) decided to go into business for themselves (Associated Accounting Services).  As fate would have it Charles and Thom continued to work hard together and built a successful business. (Prestige Business System)

Charles was very close to his siblings, and they were very proud of his accomplishments. He was a mentor to all of his nieces and nephews. He took his family very seriously and often came to their defense if and when it was needed. Family was the most important entity in Charles’ life. He relished family gatherings in which they would laugh, play cards and joke with each other. He loved to dance and was very smooth on his feet. His presence brought a sense of calm and joy to every occasion, and his kindness and generosity touched everyone he encountered.

Throughout his life, Charles cultivated lifelong friendships, particularly with the church group of teenagers who remained close throughout adulthood. Together, they shared countless memories, laughs, and the bond of brotherhood that only true friends can understand. Charles was a beacon of strength and support for his friends, always there to offer a helping hand or a listening ear. He enjoyed traveling the world with his lifelong friends. They called themselves “The Buffalo Soldiers”. 

Over the years Charles developed a fatherly relationship with children who would refer to him as “Dad”: Kim Barnes (deceased), Kelly Etheridge, and Richard Griffin, and their children. 

Charles was blessed to find love again when he met Deborah O. Adams Whipper, they were Soul Mates. He proposed marriage and on June 3, 2006, they were united in holy matrimony. Charles became Poppa to Deb’s twin daughters, LaShawn and Shawnette Mitchell, and grandchildren.  They were truly a blended family. Deb was a loving, dedicated and doting wife to Charles; Throughout his struggles with health issues, she was there taking care of him. He would often say to her: “I’m living for you” … and through her faith in God, he lived a long and happy life.

Charles was not only a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, and businessman, but a man of great character and integrity. His values of compassion, honesty, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, Charles R. Wyche joined the ancestral ranks of his parents, siblings, nephews, and nieces. He now leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, his wife Deborah, daughter Deitra, special niece Barbara, his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends: William Page, Carl Manning, Alton Norwood, James and Beverly Mapp, Zane Howard, and Geneva Trotman; a host of in-laws, other relatives, and friends. We will miss Charles deeply, but we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, surrounded by the love of those who have gone before him. May his spirit live on in the memories we hold dear, and may we honor his legacy by carrying on his passion for faith, service, and friendship.