Charles Cleveland McAteer

Charles Cleveland McAteer, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, Alabama. He leaves behind a great legacy as a loving spouse, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 7 at 1:00pm at Taylorville Baptist Church followed by the service at 2:30pm. Bro. Curtis Kelley and Bro. Jordan Johnson will be officiating the service. Graveside will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Moundville, Alabama. Magnolia Chapel South will be directing.

Charles was born on September 26, 1935 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Charles Cleveland McAteer, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Clements McAteer of Tuscaloosa who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother Samuel Jones (Laverne) and sister Billie Jones Lake (Kelley). Also, his wife Peggy Elliott McAteer, step daughter Joyce Elliott Kelley (David), step son Benjamin Elliott, step grandson Brad Gray and granddaughter Melissa Lynn Felton.

Charles is survived by his daughter Wendy Gail McAteer Lynn and son-in-law Jack Bradford Lynn. Grandchildren, William Bradford Lynn and Sarah Lynn Hammond (Logan) and great grandchildren Jack Fisher, Samuel Charles, Ford Logan, Andrew William, Henry Robert Hammond and Cavan Bradford Felton and is survived by his first wife, Margaret Ann Childs.

He is also survived by his step daughters, Marye Anna Elliott Murray, and Melony Elliott Smithson (Jeff). Step grandchildren, Mike Gray, Kyle Smithson (Mallory), Caroline Smithson Crawford (Grayson), Sam Kelley (Allison) and Ben Kelley and ten step great grandchildren and two step great great grandchildren.

He graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1954. Following graduation, he served in the US Navy for two years aboard the USS Robert A. Owens.

He started out his law enforcement career with the Northport Police Department as a patrolman by foot and motorcycles and later transferred to the Tuscaloosa Police Department where he served for 34 years.

Mr. McAteer had a very distinguished career with the police department, which included flying helicopters for the City and was instrumental in establishing the 911 system for the City of Tuscaloosa. He was the Chief of Communications from 1975 to 2000 and a member of APCO - NENA - 911 Board. He was honored with many awards for his service with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. Additionally, he served on the Board for the Tuscaloosa City Credit Union for 44 years.

Charles volunteered his time with Civil Air Patrol for many years, as a pilot and commanding the Tuscaloosa Squadron. He retired in Civil Air Patrol as a Lt. Colonel. He was Past Master of the Masons Lodge 906 and Past President of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 557.

In his spare time, Charles enjoyed flying airplanes, restoring old cars, and attending many car shows with his car buddies. He also loved to train his loving and devoted dog Joy.

Pallbearers will be DJ Flynn, Marvin Gregory, Kenny Long, Ben Mallisham, Mike Meyers and Ken Swindle.