Charles Edward Ward, better known as “Charlie” and “Charlie Poo Poo,” was born in Anniston, Alabama on June 12, 1944, to Annie Laura Ward and was reared by his grandmother, Rena Knox. He was raised in the church and remained devoted to his faith throughout his life. He was formerly a member of First Baptist Church South Inglewood and later joined Temple Church. Charlie entered into eternal rest on October 6, 2025. Charlie attended Cobb Avenue High School in 1962, where he was an avid swimmer and won several championships. Charlie went on to continue his education and graduated from Morristown College, followed by Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Charlie devoted his career to the children and families of Davidson County, Nashville Metropolitan Government for 43 years. He served as the Director of the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center, the Director of Youth Aid Bureau, Supervisor of Juvenile Court Probation and retired as the Chief Probation Officer of Juvenile Court. He served on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Council, Tennessee Juvenile Court Service Association and other Community Boards.
He loved golf and served as the President of the Independent Chapter and the President of the National Negro Golfers Association (NNGA). The NNGA recently established the “Charlie Poo Poo Ward” Award to honor the legacy of Charlie’s leadership. This award recognizes individuals who embody his spirit of fun, camaraderie, and dedication, those who step up when needed, participate with enthusiasm, and represent the very best of the NNGA.
Charlie leaves behind a devoted wife of 32 years, Dr. Cassandra Ward. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, partnership, and faith. He was preceded in death by Frances Elizabeth Jasper (sister), Willie Lee Ward, Jr. (brother), John Henry Ward (brother), and Marietta Ward (sister). Those left to cherish his memories: daughter, Melissa Williams; son, Michael Ward; daughter, Michelle Huffman (Nishman); daughter, Porche’ Ward; grandchildren, Carmen Willams; O’Conner Ward, Kassidi Rutledge (Willie ) and Charlie Rose Ward; great grandchildren, Samuel “Drew” Brown, IV, Kailee Rutledge , Kaige Jenkins, and Willie Jenkins,III; brothers-in-law, Dennis Staten (Debra) and Bernard Staten (Carolyn); sisters-in-law, Sharon Waller, Denise Staten, and Pamela Brown (Jeffery); and a host of nieces and nephews. Charlie never met a stranger. His kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He will always be remembered as an incredibly loving husband and father who deeply loved and cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; and devoted friends.
