Charles Gathers

Charles “Big Bear” Gathers was born on October 3, 1956, in Florence, South Carolina, to the late Helen Gathers and Mack Gathers Sr. He received his early education in Florence County and later graduated from high school in Jersey City, New Jersey. Shortly after graduation, Charles enlisted in the Army National Guard, proudly serving and protecting our country. Years later, Charles returned to South Carolina and made his home in Effingham. It was there that he met the love of his life, Gladys Carter. They married and shared 28 years of unwavering companionship, love, and joy. Charles was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Scranton, South Carolina. Charles had a lifelong passion for driving big trucks and established a successful career as a truck driver, proudly owning his own tractor trailer. He was known for lending a helping hand to friends, family, and neighbors whenever they were in need. He stayed active in his community, taking on small jobs and offering support wherever he was needed during his time working for Florence County. Charles was a devoted man who loved his children and family deeply. He was a joyful, uplifting presence—someone who could brighten even the heaviest room. He was always ready with a kind word, a good laugh, a joke, or one of his memorable sayings. And if a good song came on at a BBQ, he never hesitated to show off his signature two step. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit made him unforgettable. Charles was truly one of a kind and carried the Gathers name with pride and honor. In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his brothers Mack Gathers Jr, Johnny Gathers, Robert Gathers, and James Gathers; and his sisters Shirley Gathers-Elmore, Debra Gathers, Evelina Gathers and Wonell Fulmore. To carry on his legacy, he leaves: his loving wife, Gladys Carter Gathers; his son, Charles Gathers Jr (Donyella Gathers); his four daughters; Latrell Dorsey, Shannon Montgomery Jones, Shashawn Montgomery Davis (Ricky Davis), and Shirley Gathers Houghton (David Houghton); his special child Ty'Rek Devaughan, his last remaining sister Diane Nesmith (Cleveland Nesmith), his last remaining brother Harry McFadden; his ten grandchildren, Sha'netta Williams, Zy'Nyia williams, Za'Maury Gathers, Dayvon Dorsey, Brittany Dorsey, James Jones, Logan Davis, Noah, Immanuel, and Zoe Houghton; his seven great-grandchildren, Ava Dorsey, Aiden Dorsey, Harlem Dorsey Taliah and Terry Slaughter, Ja’Niyah and Ja’Mir Robinson; three sisters in-law: Betty Ann Johnson, Dixie Gathers, Cynthia Carter; two brothers-in-law: Willie Carter (Linda Carter) and James Carter (Anabell Carter); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly. “We are grateful for his life, his kindness, his beautiful heart, and the love he shared with his family and friends.”

Charles Gathers

March 15, 2026