Lawson Charles Squash Jr.

Lawson Charles Squash was born in Ridge Springs, South Carolina to the union of Lawson Squash. Sr and Ophelia Squash on October 11, 1933. At the very young age of one the family moved to Brooklyn, New York. Lawson, affectionately called Charles, his entire life, joined the United States Army at the young age of 17, which required his mother’s signature to do so. Serving in the Army he had the opportunity to be stationed at different military bases in the United States, as well as countries in Europe. Charles met and married Rebecca Matthews from his hometown neighborhood. They were married until his death for 65 loving years and were a twosome. Of this union were born three children, two girls and a boy. The family joined him and lived for three years in France in the early 1960’s. His son being born while there. Upon returning to the United States from France, Charles was deployed to Vietnam during the war. Leaving his family in New York to do his duty serving his country during that tumultuous time both here and abroad. Upon returning from Vietnam, Charles was deployed to Germany, again taking his family with him. After three years they returned stateside, to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York where Charles served the rest of his military career, retiring in 1972 after serving just under 21 years and receiving numerous medals and awards. Charles and family then moved to Philadelphia, PA, living there for 23 years. During this time Charles worked for just under 19 years for the US Postal Service in the Motor Vehicles Services division at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia before retiring. In 1995 Charles and his wife Rebecca retired to the city she had fallen in love with when visiting him when he was stationed in Atlanta. Moving quite a distance away from his roots in New York, family, friends, Army and Post Office buddies to Ellenwood, Georgia. Devoted to his family, Charles was a strong, quiet man with a big heart. He demonstrated his love for the Lord through his daily actions and how he treated his family, friends, loved ones, neighbors and strangers. He was a giver, always helping family and friends in need. He was skilled at providing advice and guidance and a good listener. He had a quick wit and a good sense of humor. He was a connoisseur of sweet potato pies, peach cobbler and fruit preserves and a lover of jazz music. He was an active mall walker until he sorrowfully began to lose his vision. Charles’ spirit always remained positive despite any challenge he bore, focusing always on his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather uncle, in-law, nephew, neighbor, and friend. Charles was proceeded in death by his parents, Ophelia and Lawson Squash, Sr; sisters Margaret McFadden, Teresa Squash, Harriet Davis, Joan Ellison, Mary Ford, Dorothy Abram; and brother Edward James Squash. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, his beloved wife of 65 years Rebecca Squash; daughters Shari Parrish (husband Chester), Stephanie Squash and son Charles Squash ; one sister, Estelle Squash; brother–in-law Aaron Abram; three grandsons Russell, Jarrell and Derek, Jr, two granddaughters Cheri and Najah; three great grandsons, Aeneus, Torin and Carl, Jr; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, neighbors and friends who loved him dearly.

Tributes

Lawson Charles Squash Jr.

October 11, 1933 - June 19, 2023