Charles Goodacre, affectionately known to many as “Goody” and later in life as “Mr. Charles,” was born on April 15, 1949, in Tyler, Texas, to Varie Browning Goodacre and Richard Goodacre. He was the third of seven children and the eldest son.

Charles attended Emmett J. Scott High School '67 and later briefly attended Prairie View A&M University, where he studied English. With a desire to help support his family, Charles left college and enlisted in the United States Army.

Charles proudly completed two tours of duty in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star commendation for heroism and bravery in combat. During his time in Vietnam, Charles welcomed his first child, a daughter, Le Hoa. Upon returning stateside, he was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, near Philadelphia. While living in the area, he met Sherri Patterson through mutual friends, and they later welcomed his second daughter, Naeemah. His time near Philadelphia also marked the beginning of a lifelong love for the Philadelphia Eagles — Go Birds!

After returning home to Tyler, Charles began a long and dedicated career with Trane, where he worked for approximately 38 years before retiring in 2016. A lover of life, family, and beautiful women, Charles later welcomed his sons, Tyrone, with Linda Williams, and Kelvin, with Bernice Robinson, as well as his youngest daughter, Tegra, with Marva Vickers.

Charles also continued his commitment to military service until retirement through the United States Army Reserve, ultimately attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Charles’s life was not without challenges, but his journey was also one of remarkable perseverance and personal triumph. Like many veterans who returned home carrying the weight of their experiences, Charles faced a period of struggle with substance use. Through determination, faith, the support of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), family, and friends, he achieved more than 25 years of recovery. This chapter of his life became an important testament to his strength, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity.

In his free time, Charles enjoyed watching sports, learning about history, appreciating the wonders of nature, traveling, and, of course, admiring beautiful women. As the years passed, he became affectionately known as “Mr. Charles” and was well loved and respected throughout the places he frequented. Whether among neighbors, bank employees, gas station attendants, or familiar faces at local lottery and game establishments, Charles had a way of becoming known and remembered wherever he went.

Charles appreciated the finer things in life. He loved stylish clothing, nice automobiles, Black and African history and culture, and treating those he loved to a good time. His unique sense of style, warm personality, generosity, and unmistakable presence were all part of what made Charles one of a kind.

Charles was a proud Grandpa and PawPaw to twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was a strong, loving, generous, supportive, and protective man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those closest to him. To his family and friends, Charles was simply a super-cool human being whose presence, personality, and love will never be forgotten.

In late winter of 2026, Charles’s physical health began to decline. Although his body grew weaker, his mind remained present, aware, and sharp until the very end. He spent his final days surrounded by love and receiving tender care in the home of his youngest daughter, Tegra. On the morning of August 31, 2026, after being lovingly cared for and made comfortable for the day, Charles peacefully released his earthly body and ascended to the realm of the ancestors.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lester Goodacre; and his sister, Patsy Goodacre.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Le Hoa of Vietnam, Naeemah Patterson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Tegra Goodacre of Tyler, Texas; his sons, Tyrone Williams of Fort Worth, Texas, and Kelvin Robinson of Dallas, Texas; his sisters, Rose (Calvin) Ford of Tyler, Texas; Cathy (Rev. Charles) Boxley of Fort Worth, Texas; Linda (Rev. Larry) Williams of Tyler, Texas; and Stephanie (Darrell) Collier of Waxahachie, Texas; his brother, William (Ella) Goodacre of Saginaw, Texas; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, loved ones, and dear friends.

Though deeply saddened by his passing, we remain profoundly grateful for the privilege of sharing this lifetime with and through Charles Goodacre. His was a life filled with service, resilience, lessons, laughter, love, and memories that will continue through the generations.

Love is all.