A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF CHARLES ALFRED ANDERSON, SR. February 9, 1907 .. April 13, 1996 THE TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY CHAPEL April19, 1996 2:00p.m. Officiant, The Reverend Father Liston A. Garfield Rector, Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church Tuskegee Institute, Alabama The Rev. Dr. Edward L. Wheeler Dean, Tuskegee University Chapel CHARLES ALFRED ANDERSON, SR. February 9, 1907- Apri/13, 1996 Charles Alfred Anderson, Sr. departed his earthly life on April 13, 1996. He was born in Bridgeport, PA to Janie and Iverson Anderson. Though Charles was the loving couple's only birth child, there were three adopted siblings, Ronald, Emberson and Josephine. All of them have departed their earthly domains. Early on, Charles took on molding characteristics that would remain with him throughout his life - a sense of humor, a sense of adventure, a sense of racial pride, and a love of animals, particularly dogs and birds. By the time he had become an adult, this strong affection for God's creatures would be extended to include youth. By his early twenties, Charles' sense of adventure had fully evolved into a love for flying. At the age of twenty-two he had earned his Private Pilot License, which was no small feat for a "colored" person in 1929. Three years later, at the age of twenty-five, he would become the first African-American to earn a Transport Pilot License. More importantly that year (1932), he would wed his childhood sweetheart, Gertrude Elizabeth Nelson. An unprecedented string of history making achievements, that would shape the future of African-American involvement in aviation, was jump started in 1933. It was then that he met his life-long friend, Dr. Albert Forsythe. Their "Goodwill Flights" across the continent and from Canada throughout the West Indies and South America would set into motion a chain of events that would forever change the complexion of aviation history. Of particular significance was Charles' coming to Tuskegee, AL in 1940, along with Gertrude, to help start the Civilian Pilot Training Program. Shortly after his historical flight of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1941, the program's military component, with Charles as the chief instructor pilot, would evolve. This component would go on to launch the Tuskegee Airmen. Welcome - "Chief Anderson." Chief Anderson would continue to blaze a trail of African-American aviation history and would accumulate an untold number of accolades and recognitions for his flying-related feats; however, the ~~Chief" is best remembered for his obsession for teaching and motivating others to fly, youth in particular. His selfless, giving spirit followed him in his personal life as a parent, "Community Dad," friend to all and animal lover. Loving and cheerful memories of Charles Alfred Anderson are shared by his sons, Alfred and Charles, Charles' wife, Peggye, his grandchildren, Vincent, Christina and Marina, his great granddaughter, Krystal, his nieces, nephews, in-laws, his dog, "Stinky" and many wellfed wild birds. He also leaves behind many cherished life-long friends, many more new found friends, and thousands of admirers. On behalf of your loving family and dear friends, may God be with you, "Dadden," and "Happy Landings" in the Kingdom of Heaven. "You didn't always hear the word but did your very best to live it." THE GOLDEN MEAN I would like to give a gift of knowledge ,.., A gift that will last you hopefully through now to college. This gift is about someone I love ,.., My grandpa who was sent from heaven above,.., Sent on a plane to teach our own. Faced with racism but still hard as stone,.... He taught the black doves how to fly . They shot their first enemy plane down in the WWII sky . He flew Eleanor Roosevelt to show that black men have dreams . But when on the land racism was still hard and mean. Now he's old, 87 .. but he still flies . If you ask him why he still flies , he will reply, "Keep your dreams forever and don't let them die ; if you apply your mind, you can reach past the sky. Flying is more than piloting a plane; it can be: running track, owning a store, teaching, or farming sugar cane ." He was one who obtained his dream. Through the obstacles of life he obtained the golden mean. ,.., Christina Louise Anderson June 1994 "HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW" Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, And long for heav'n and home; When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free; For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. "Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, But one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free; For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing, When hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, From care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free; For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. ORDER OF SERVICE FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD PRELUDE PROCESSION HYMN PRAYER "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (See insert.) Dr. Edward L. Wheeler Dean, Tuskegee University Chapel OLD TESTAMENT LESSON (To comfort those who mourn) PSALM 23 NEW TESTAMENT LESSON (God will wipe away every tear.) Isaiah 25: 6-9 Revelation 7: 9-17 MUSICAL SELECTION "I'll Fly Away" Brittany Dunn Candace Dunn & Jasmine Dunn GOSPEL (He who believes has everlasting life.) John 14: 1-6 MUSICAL SELECTION "There Is a Balm in Gilead" The Tuskegee University Choir Dawson TRIBUTES Dr. Benjamin F. Payton President, Tuskegee University The Honorable Johnny L. Ford Mayor, City of Tuskegee Mr. Roscoe Draper Lifetime Friend Mrs. Frances T. Forsythe Lifetime Friend and Wife of Dr. Albert Forsythe Brig. Gen. Daniel James, Jr. Adj. Gen., Texas National Guard Miss Christina Louise Anderson Granddaughter HOMILY Fr. Garfield MUSICAL SELECTION "The Tuskegee Airmen Fight Song" The Tuskegee University Choir THE LORD'S PRAYER RECESSIONAL HYMN #363 "A Mighty Fortress Is our God" INTERMENT Greenwood Cemetery - Tuskegee, Alabama Stephen L. Hayes, Director - Lynda Garcia, Organist ACTIVE PALLBEARERS Capt. Charles Dilworth (Ret.) Mr. Willie J. Dunn Capt. (Sel.) Vascar Harris Dr. N. Judge King Dr. Gregory Pritchett LTC Palmer Sullins HONORARY PALLBEARERS National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees Negro Airmen International Organization of Black Airline Pilots Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Lt. Col. Herbert Carter (Ret.) Mr. William Childs Capt. Raymond Dothard Mr. John Fernandes Capt. Monty Harris Mr. Roy Holmes Capt. Les Morris (Ret.) Mr. William Pinckney In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: C. Alfred "Chief" Anderson Historical Preservation Fund c/o Tuskegee University P. 0. Box 704 Tuskegee Institute, AL 36087 MISSION OF FUND: To collect, document and authenticate the accomplishments and contributions of African-American pioneers in the field of aviation. To provide college and university students with 'curator trainee' internships in Tuskegee University's libraries, archives and museums to assist in the achievement of the Fund's objectives. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Family gratefully acknowledges the many kind expressions of support, love, and concern. Arrangements Provided By McKENZIE'S FUNERAL HOME Tuskegee, Alabama