Pastor Charles Braddock

Charles Edward Braddock went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday November 5, 2013. Rev. Braddock was born November 5, 1958 in Saginaw, Michigan to Grace Alexander Braddock and the late George Braddock Jr. Charles committed his life to the Lord at an early age at the St. Luke C.M.E. Church; where in 2010 he was appointed Pastor until his transition. Charles was a 1976 graduate of Saginaw High School. He received his Associates degree from Delta College and BA degree in Criminal Justice from SVSU. He graduated from the Michigan Law Enforcement Academy. Charles was a master gardener. He loved and nurtured his flowers as he did his family and community. Throughout his life he focused on cultivating seeds of hope, passing on to future generations a legacy with strong values and integrity. Many were inspired by his care for at-risk youth and those less fortunate. He was a man who believed in second chances, made evident by his love of people from all walks of life. Charles was an avid reader proud of his extensive library. During his lifetime he positively affected the lives of many, not just in Saginaw but throughout Michigan. His mantra of “if you don’t use your brain now, you will use your back later,” is what led him to leave his work at Saginaw Steering Gear to pursue his education in Law Enforcement studies; a life changing move that would spark his fierce passion for advocacy and education. Formerly an instructor at Delta College Police Academy and training officer for new police recruits, he was an ardent believer in empowering people to change the direction of communities. Charles served the City of Saginaw in numerous capacities as Director of the Summer Food Program, Finance Specialist, Research Analyst, and Law Enforcement Officer. He was a passionate advocate for the disenfranchised and at risk populations in Saginaw serving as the Executive Director of First Ward Community Services. Charles answered the call to serve his state when he was appointed by Gov. John Engler to the Michigan Department of Corrections Parole Board Commission. Charles served on the Workforce Development Board, MPRI Community Advisory Board, SVSU Board of Fellows, Delta College International Centre Leadership Board, Saginaw County Infant Mortality Coalition, Black Police Officers Association, Central Middle School Booster Club, and the Saginaw Chapter Frontiers International Organizational. He received the Delta College Distinguished Alumni Award, the Community Relations Life Award Whitney M. Young Boys Scouts, Saginaw Police Dept. Meritorious Service Award, and the Women Progressive Club Hazel Wright Award. In 1990 he was named "Top Cop" in the state of Michigan by Gov. James Blanchard. During the course of his tenure in law enforcement, he was noted for being fair, competent and having great insight. As a patrolman he operated the department’s first community policing mini-station, implementing anti-crime and drug prevention seminars. Later, as a Detective he investigated gang related activities, homicides, and drive-by shootings. Charles began each day quoting his favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Charles’ greatest legacy is that he wanted to leave this earth a better place than how he found it. He strived for everyone to experience what he himself enjoyed in life- the love of wonderful family and friends, the sharing of joy and laughter, and the infinite beauty found in nature, music, literature, and art. Charles leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother Grace Braddock, two beautiful daughters Kinesha (Willie) Mason, of Saginaw, Candice Marie Braddock, of Lansing, Michigan, his devoted son Derek D. Riley Sr., Saginaw, three adorable granddaughters Alexxandria, Willow and Winter Alyse, who affectionately called him “Papa”, his very special grandson Derek Riley Jr. of Reedley, CA., and the mother of his children Sheilda D. Braddock. He also leaves four sisters, Brenda Thomas, Georgette(Ron) Frierson, Ruby Jones and Rev. M. Joyce Redfearn all of Saginaw Michigan, three brothers, Norman C. Braddock, Stanley Braddock of Saginaw and Rev. Frederick Lee (Sheila) Braddock of Atlanta, GA. In addition he leaves behind a cherished nephew and niece Marcel Thomas and Serina Jones, two special God-sons Bobby Meredith and Kye Simmons, his friend of over 25 years Chet Allen, and loving family and friends. The family wishes to thank LaWanda Nelums, Pastor and Mrs. Vincent McMillon, Pastor Hurley Coleman, the Neurology staff of Covenant Cooper, Mathews Car Care, St. Luke and Dozier CME Church families, and First Ward Community Services. Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at the Wolverine State Baptist Headquarters, 615 S. Jefferson Ave. Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart will perform Eulogy. VISITATION: Family and friends are invited to a Community Expression of Love to share their condolences and fond memories of Charles at Evans and Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 from 5:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m.

Pastor Charles Braddock

November 5, 1958 - November 5, 2013