Charles E. Dragoo

ST. ELMO - Charles E. Dragoo, 84, passed away peacefully at Golden Oaks Assisted Living, Biloxi, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Charles was born on Jan. 8, 1940, in the town of St. Elmo in Fayette County. He was the second child of Ephraim "Eph" and Dorothy (Werden) Dragoo. He went to high school at St. Elmo High School and graduated in 1957. He attended Eastern Illinois University and was a member of the men's basketball team. He worked at A&P Tea Company as an auditor, and later, he was a store manager. He then worked at Meadowgold Dairy as a sales manager, retiring in 1997. Charles loved basketball, the New Orleans Saints, fishing and flat-track motorcycle racing. He also enjoyed playing guitar and singing to entertain family and friends. His favorite hobby was going to the horse races, especially the Kentucky Derby, and going to casinos.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Ephraim "Eph" Dragoo; mother, Dorothy (Werden) Dragoo; brother Harold Dean "Goose" Dragoo; sister, Shirley Forbes; and son Kevin Dragoo.

Charles is survived by his son Charles Bradley "Brad" (Kathy) Dragoo; brother Dana Dragoo; grandchildren, Mercedez Dragoo, Molly (Logan) Parris and Max Dragoo; stepgrandchildren, Michael Guarnacci and Mandi (Lee) Hartley; great-grandchild, Owen Parris; stepgreat-grandchildren, Mack Green, Harrison Hartley, Ruby Hartley and Henry Hartley; stepgreat-great-grandchild, Blake Green; brother-in-law, Paul Forbes; and many nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, on the beach near Bordage Street and South Beach Boulevard at the former Poor John's Campground in Waveland, Miss., at 1 p.m.

A special thank you to the caregivers at Golden Oaks Assisted Living for being Dad's friend and for the care given to him during this past year.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to a charitable organization of the donor's choice.

Riemann Family Funeral Home in West Jackson County is proudly serving the family. Share memories, condolences and photos at riemannfamily.com.