Mr. Charles Eskell Herndon passed away on Tuesday April 4, 2023 at Cullman Regional Medical Center in Cullman, Alabama after 93 years of living life to the fullest. He was born on Oct. 25, 1929 in Welti, Alabama, to Claude Lee Herndon and Carrie Bell Hamm Herndon. He married his high school sweetheart, Opal Lee Camp, on May 28, 1949.
Eskell had a contagious laugh and never met a stranger. His incredibly kind heart and quick wit will always be treasured by his family and friends.
He graduated from Welti Jr. High School in 1945 and Hanceville High School in 1948. He worked for Southern Bell, South Central Bell, and AT&T before he retired to become a full time farmer. His early career led him to Flint, Michigan and Albertville, Alabama, but he called his farm in Welti, Alabama home for 76 years.
Eskell was a jack of all trades and a vibrant story teller. He was an avid farmer and could do anything from growing vegetables to raising cattle, and everything in between. He played his first game of volleyball at Wallace State Community College Wellness Center at the age of 65 and competed for the Wallace State Senior Lions in the Senior Olympics in 2003. He maintained his relationship with Mount Zion Baptist Church and later with Duck River Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister; Iva Faye Herndon; brother, Teddy Wayne Herndon, and daughter; Margaret Diane Herndon Duke.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 73 years; Opal Camp Herndon, and son; Darrell Charles Herndon (Martha Hanson). Four grandchildren; Allison Duke Bridges (Jonathan “Mark”), Laura Duke Broom (David), Chelsea Herndon Warner (Randy), and Graham Hanson Herndon (Hallianne Hobson). Six great grandchildren; Harrison Bridges, Camille Bridges, Henry Bridges, Evelyn Bridges, Charlotte Broom, and Jane Broom. Son-in-law; Wendell Duke, Sister-in-law; Doris Camp Quick, nephews; Steve Quick and Greg Quick. Niece; Paula Stanford McAlpine, and grandniece; Amanda Quick Hendrix (Daniel).
A visitation for Mr. Herndon will be held at Hanceville Funeral Home on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. A service is at 2 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will follow at Welti Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Welti Cemetery Fund will be appreciated.
