Willie L. "Bubba" Charles, Sr., 75, of New Haven, formerly of Clinton, CT, entered eternal rest on May 2, 2018. He was the widower of Rita L. Charles.

Mr. Charles was born in Society Hill, SC on February 18, 1943, a son of the late James Charles, Sr. and Hattie McKay Charles.

Prior to retiring, Willie was employed as a Police Officer for Yale University for over 34 years.

He was the owner of Charles Catering Services with his wife Rita; employed as Cook and House Manager at St. Elmo's Honor Society of Yale for 41 years; and was a Barber at Herman and Therman Barbershop for 20 years.

He leaves to cherish loving memories, daughters, Letitia and Mhiku Charles; a son, Willie L. Charles, Jr.; sisters, Janie Charles Holmes and Carolyn Charles Carrington; grandchildren, Rita, Koree, Kobe, Kourtney and Sage Charles and Sacha Escobar; great grandchildren, Azariah and Azir Charles; sisters in-law, Tracy Tanner (James), Melody Jack, Amber Anderson (Herbert) and Johnnie Stanley (Harry Sr.); a brother in-law, John Arnold, Jr. (Renee); and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Horace and James Charles, Jr.; sisters, Easter Mae Tinney and Hattie Malloy; sisters in-law, Vanita Charles and Pansy Charles; brothers in-law, Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Holmes, Howard F. Tinney, John Carrington and Lee T. Malloy

A celebration of Mr. Charles' life and legacy will be held Friday, May 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, 782 Orchard St., New Haven. Viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.