God saw the road was getting rough for Charles.

Then He whispered, "Peace be still, you fought a good fight,

you kept the faith, and finished the course.

Come on and go home with Me."

On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Charles Stanley Aiken, affectionately known as "Charlie", transitioned from this life to eternity. He was born to Emma and Joe Aiken on July 9, 1934 in Moncks Corner, SC. He was the youngest of eleven children and grew up in the Pinopolis Community. At an early age, Charles became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Moncks Corner.

Charles attended Berkeley County Public Schools and graduated from Berkeley Training High School in 1953. He was outstanding in sports and the captain of his basketball and football teams. He continued his education at New York University and Brooklyn College in the area of journalism. He served in the United States Army.

After serving his country, he relocated to New York City where he met the love of his life, Sherrie Richburg. They were married in 1962 and lived in New York for 50+ years. To this union four children were born: Karenya, Terri, Charles Jr., and Sharlice. Charles was a loyal employee of the New York City Transit Authority for 25 years. He retired in 1986 and made his home in North Charleston, SC.

Charles was a kind, calm-spirited man who loved his family. He enjoyed jazz music and had a great sense of style. His nickname was "Chilly Charlie". One of his favorite sayings was "It is what it is." Charles Aiken was a proud grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow up. He always emphasized the importance of a good education. He was an avid reader and always stayed abreast of what was happening in the world. He was a professional bowler for many years and enjoyed a variety of sports. He loved his New York teams especially the "New York Giants". He was a long standing member of the American Legion.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Sherrie Richburg Aiken; three daughters: Karenya (Michael) Washington, Terri V. Aiken (Kenneth Shannon), Sharlice (Marlon) Brabham; one son: Charles Aiken Jr.; eight grandchildren: Teyonna Aiken, Sharisse Aiken Doyle, LaShanna Aiken, Rockiya Aiken Samuels, Kennedy Aiken, Kendall Aiken, Alexis Mack, and Malachi Brabham; nine great-grandchildren: Jahmir Aiken, Kymora Olmo, Amari Aiken, Jahmia Aiken, Jayde Aiken, Jazmynn Aiken, Joell Aiken, Angela Doyle, Jour'nee Aiken; two Godchildren: Crystal Washington and Toney Nesbitt; two sisters: Wilhelmina (William) Lee of Las Vegas, NV and Maudine Cromwell of Rochdale, NY; two sisters-in-law: Reatha Nash Simmons of Cross, SC and Louise Nesbitt of Charleston, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, New York Transit family, other relatives and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by seven brothers: Rudolph Aiken, Arthur Aiken, Leon Aiken, Isaiah Aiken, Harry Aiken, Joe Aiken and Leroy Aiken; and one sister: Ernestine Sanders.

His legacy will live on.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to the American Heart Association. Donations may be mailed to: The Family of Charles Aiken, 7878 Parkgate Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418.