Reverend Charles Laregous Redding , 70, of Lake Charles, Louisiana was born to the late Johnnie Mae Youngblood Redding and Bennie Redding on August 31, 1946 in Panama City, Florida, and answered the Master's calling on Sunday, April 16, 2017. Reverend Redding completed early childhood education in Bay County, Florida. He attended and was a faithful worker in Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, his childhood church, where he served as a church usher, and sung in the choir.

He confessed the Lord at an early age and was baptized. Reverend Redding graduated 1965 from Rosenwald High School an Honor Student and furthered his education attending Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. He enlisted in the United States Army. While serving in the Army, Reverend Redding answered his calling to the ministry. He was appointed a Military Chaplin. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Florida and studied at Gulf Coast Community College. He moved to Quincy, Florida and worked as a Unity Treatment Rehab Specialist at Florida State Hospital.

Reverend Redding was a devoted man of faith. He dedicated his life to helping mankind. He was ordained in 1970 in the West Florida Conference as an Itinerant Elder in the African Episcopal Church. He was joined in holy matrimony to Joyce Fields. To this union two sons were born.

He pastured the following churches in Florida: St. Stephens A.M.E. in Bristol, St. Luke A.M.E. in Malone, Chapel A.M.E., Graceville, two churches in Monticello that are no longer established, and the Historic St. James A.M.E. in Franklin, Louisiana.

While pastoring, Reverend Redding worked as a Postal Clerk, Post Master, had part ownership in an auto dealership, Insurance Salesman, School Counselor, and Manager at Winn-Dixie. Upon his move to Louisiana, he resided in Cameron with his sister, her husband, and family. He loved the water so much he began working the Menhaden Industry and Cameron Offshore. He joined the Cameron parish NAACP Branch and would drive from Cameron to Lake Charles every Sunday to serve the Lord. He also drove for the elderly taking them to their doctor's appointment and shopping.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Joyce Fields Redding, Quincy, Florida; two sons, Charles Redding Jr., Greensboro, North Carolina, Reverend Carlos (Sylvia) Redding, Quincy, Florida; six grandchildren, Rozelle, Imara, Aylisa, Chasity, Sa'Liya; two brothers, Aubrey (Eutean) Redding, Carl B. Redding; three sisters, Diana (Lawrence) VanDyke, Wynean Redding Walker, Mary Jean Levy; eight nephews, nine nieces, eleven great nieces, nine great nephews, twenty-one great great nephews, twenty-four great great nieces, and five great great great nieces and nephews; and a host of nieces, nephews, and special care givers.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., and funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Faith Temple COGIC. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com