The Life and Legacy of Mr. Charles O. Stine

Charles O. Stine was born on August 23, 1939 , to Asa Stine Sr . and Lola Bell e Hightower Stine. He was the oldest of nine children born to this union. Coming from very humble beginnings, Charles and his seven siblings shared lots of fun times growing up in the country. As the oldest child, Charles always had a "take charge" personality, often commanding any room he enter ed.

He graduated from Jackson High School (a segregated school for blacks only) around 1957. C harles joined the Peace Corp and later enrolled at Texas College , graduat ing with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry . He became a teacher and began teaching school in Gilm er Independent School District in Gilmer, Texas.

While at Texas College, he met and later married the love of his life, Joyce Taylor of Jefferson, Texa s . They were married on June 26, 1965 , and had three children ( Chris, Shannon, and Car r isa ). Charles and Joyce remained married until her untimely passing on December 29, 199 4 . Together, Charles and Joyce were a power couple who founded several successful businesses.

In 197 6 , Charles founded Astro Johnny, a portable waste management company. He was the founder, owner, CEO, and president of the company in the early years. Astro Johnny is still thriving today, nearly 4 5 years later . Charles often used these two humorous phrases to describe Astro Johnny – "We're number 1 in the number 2 business," and "I gotta go pump that honey!" Other successful businesses included C & J Food Services , C & J Construction, and Stine & Stine Enterprise . He was very wise and strategic when it came to business .

Throughout his lifetime, Charles he l d many leadership positions in various organizations. He was a director of the Boy S couts of America , and i n the 19 7 0's, Charles managed the Small Business Association (SBA) office in the Tyler area.

Charles was an active member of Texas College Alumni, C lass of 1964. He enjoyed planning and organizing alumni events and reunions, one of his highlights. Texas College and his classmates held a special place in his heart.

Charles was a believer in Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, which was exemplified in the way he cared for his family. He absolutely LOVED his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! They brought him so much joy! Charles also loved spending time with his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He hosted an annual 4 th of July dinner for his family for many years.

Charles leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and the many lives he touched throughout decades of interacting with others during business ventures. He was well loved and respected by his family, friends, classmates, and business partners , and he will be deeply missed by all.

Preceding him in death are his wife, Joyce; parents, Asa and Lola Bell e Stine; sister s Le n a Franc e s Stine (stillborn) , and Kathyren Stine Taylor.

Left to cherish many wonderful memories are his children : Chris Stine, Shannon Stine (El e na), Ca r risa Stine Horn (Carlo); grandchildren, Kim Hatton (Michael) , Charl a' Stine Mohammed (Sam), Chris Stine II (Ashley), and Sheylon Stine (Asia); great-grandchildren, Alexia Stine, Charles O. Stine II, twins London & Paris Stine, and Ireland Stine ; brothers, Asa Stine, Clyde Stine, and Jerry Stine (Patrice); sisters, Gloria Mumphrey (Jerry), Sandra Wynn (Charles), and Selena Stine; daughter-in-law Mary Stine ; lifelong business/financial manager , Rosalyn Jones ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.