Charles W. Anderson III

Charles Willies Anderson III was born on February 10, 1945, in Greenville, North Carolina, to the late Charles Anderson Jr. and Dorothy Lee Anderson. He peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on June 20, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, steadfast man of faith, and exceptional servant leader, Charles lived a life marked by purpose, discipline, and deep devotion to both his Lord and his family.
As a young boy, Charles spent his summers in Farmville, North Carolina, where he developed his remarkable work ethic under the guidance of his grandfather. At a tender age, he was trusted to lead a herd of mules while driving the tobacco truck, an impressive responsibility for someone so young. He took great pride in getting the mules together and handling them with skill well beyond his years. His grandfather paid him for his hard work, and it was during those summers that Charles began learning how to manage money. This planted a seed that grew into a lifelong commitment to financial stewardship and discipline.
At an early age, Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., laying the foundation for a life centered on faith, service, and spiritual growth.
He began his formal education in Pitt County Public Schools in North Carolina, attending Fleming Street Elementary School and C.M. Eppes Middle High School before moving to Washington, D.C., in 1957. There, he continued his education in the D.C. Public Schools, attending Francis Junior High School and graduating from Western High School (now Duke Ellington School of the Arts) in the Class of 1963.
Charles began his professional career with the United States Postal Service in 1964, where he served with excellence and dedication for 36 years. Starting as a clerk, he was later promoted to supervisor, exemplifying leadership and commitment until his retirement in 2000.
It was during his time at the Post Office that he met the love of his life, Theodora Anderson. He worked upstairs from her, and what began as coworkers blossomed into a lifelong union. The two were married on January 6, 1995. From that union came four beloved children: Portia, Charles IV, Samuel, and Dorothy. His love for his children and family ran deep and without condition.
Charles had a deep commitment to lifelong learning. He began his academic journey at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, where he earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration with studies in finance, accounting, marketing, and management. He continued his education at the University of Maryland University College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with the same areas of concentration. Later in life, driven by a passion for ministry, he earned a Master of Divinity from the Howard University School of Divinity in 2018. He was honored with the "Excelsior Award" for academic excellence and distinction and was notably the oldest graduate in Howard University's 2018 graduating class.
Charles's spiritual journey was marked by faithful service and a deep commitment to the church. He joined St. Stephen Baptist Church on May 10, 1998, when it was located at 628 M Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C., and played a key role in the church's historic transition to its current location in Temple Hills, Maryland. This move reflected the church's evolving mission and vision. During his membership, he was privileged to serve as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry for over a decade. His leadership was defined by integrity, humility, and a sincere heart for the people of God.
Beyond his professional and ministerial life, Charles was a beloved teacher, certified in Early Childhood Education and Social Studies, and later served as a substitute teacher in both the D.C. and Prince George's County school systems.
Known affectionately as "Gig," Charles was a man of many colors, not just in spirit but also in style. Always sharply dressed, often in vibrant and coordinated suits, he carried himself with dignity and grace. Whether in the church, at the post office, in the classroom, or on the farm, he believed in showing up fully-presentable, polished, and proud. His colorful attire and confident presence earned him the nickname "a man of many colors," and he embraced it with pride.
Charles also had a joyful spirit and loved to dance. He could hand dance all night to some of his favorite songs, expressing his happiness and zest for life with every step. Dancing was one of the ways he celebrated life and brought joy to those around him.
He was a man of principle, a man of wisdom, and above all, a man of God. He truly enjoyed learning, loved football-especially his Washington Redskins-and worked tirelessly to provide for and protect his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. Though he has departed this earthly realm, the memory of his faith, strength, and unmistakable style will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and beloved wife, Theodora Anderson; his four precious children: Portia Burch, Charles Anderson IV, Samuel Anderson, and Dorothy Anderson; a beloved bonus son, William Jenkins; and two treasured grandsons, Klay and Kai Campbell. He is also survived by his two sisters, Dorothy Creal and Charlotte Hill; his nephew, Joseph "JC" Hill; three uncles, Leroy Phillips, Bennie Anderson, and John Anderson; two aunts, Arie Vines (Vernon) and Errol "Jean" Simpson; his mother-in-love, Catherine Riley; and a host of extended family, church family, friends, and loved ones who will forever honor his life and legacy.