Major Charles Hubert Staples
Known as Major, Charlie, Dad, and Papa, Charles H. Staples peacefully passed away in his Peachtree City home on the morning of July 25, 2016 at the age of 76. He was surrounded by family and spent his last days sharing memories with family and friends.
Charles was born in Atlanta, Georgia on February 26, 1940.
He often recognized that educators and Boys Club mentors from his childhood inspired him to work hard and achieve more than others around him.
Charles earned his GED in 1959 while serving in the United States Navy as a Crash Fire Fighter. In 1963, he graduated from the police academy, and spent the next 28 years working his way up the ranks of the Dekalb County Police Department.
Charles worked as a detective for many years,
and received numerous commendations for outstanding service and dedication to duty from the DeKalb County community.
In 1972, he attended Texas A&M’s Polygraph Examiners School and returned home to create DeKalb County Police Department’s first polygraph unit. Charles went on to receive his Masters of Laws from the Atlanta School of Law in 1966.
Charles retired from the DeKalb County Police Department as Major, a role in which he worked as the Commander of the North and South Precinct Uniform Division, as well as the Assisstant Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division.
Close friend and former colleague, Tim Taylor says Major Staples was “firm but always fair in dealing with all of us. He was a great leader and well respected by all.” Throughout his time at the DeKalb County Police Department, Charles was also known as a mentor for many officers who went on to serve as Chiefs of police for various counties and cities.
He additionally served his community as an elected member to the Dekalb County Pension Board.
Charles raised two sons, Keith and Brian with his wife Jane, who he married in 1958. After retirement, Charles “lived every minute for his grandchildren. They were his heart,” says son Keith. His grandchildren’s best memories of him include trips to the park, late-night storytelling, ice cream for breakfast, and searching for four-leaf clovers.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents George and Ruby Staples; brothers, Ron Staples and Paul Hicks; and sisters, Louise Gentry and Patricia Brown. He is survived by his wife, Jane; sons Keith and Brian; five grandchildren, Ashleigh, Austin, Alexis, Anna, Ava; sister, Laverne Griffith; and sister-in law, Rose Staples.
A celebration of his life will be held at Cherokee Run Golf Club in Conyers on August 4 beginning at 2:00 PM.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Charlie was one of the men who influenced my professional and personnel life. He was my mentor, leader and friend. I was so fortunate to work for him and to be his friend.
My deepest sympathy for family and all of us who loved him. Phil
During the trials and tribulations we all have while living in this world, faith in God’s promises helps us endure. Jehovah God promises to eliminate the final enemy we all face, death. Rev. 21:4. May this thought from God’s Word provide peace during these difficult times.
Charlie was my best friend in life and will always remain my best friend.
He was a great leader and a good person who enjoyed his friends and family. He will be missed by all. Love you man.
I owe a lot to Charlie for his influence on my career with DKPD. He is no longer in pain but in a place of Love. It broke our heart to lose him but he did not go alone for part of us went with him the day God called him home.
Our deepest sympathy to the Staples family. He was a major influence on my career,especially with respect to conducting criminal investigations. I consider him an early mentor and supporter. His dry sense of humor could never be replaced. One of a kind who will be missed.
Oh how my Charlie loved the “MAJ”.
Charlie admired and respected him above any man he had ever known. Charles was one of the finest men I have ever known. Jane you were a wonderful, wonderful wife to Charles.You were hand picked for this one of a kind dynamic man. You and Charles did a fantastic job in raising those fine sons. God sure has his hands full with Charlie Kessler & the “MAJ” in Heaven together.
I know the deep sorrow of your loss. The thought of them together again makes me smile.
My deepest sympathy and much love to you all.
.
We are blessed for having met and had the privilege of living next door to both Charles and Jane for too few years. He will be missed by so many. He was a special man full of honesty and kindness for so many others. He met his last days not in fear but in trusting his Lord.
You have been the best of friends. Will miss Charles greatly. Love you Jane