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.