A memorial service will be held Jun 26, 2004, at 6 pm at the Bear Lake Community Church in Bear Lake Township, located on M-72 between Grayling and Kalkaska, to celebrate the life of Charles P Staley, long time resident and friend to many in the Grayling-Kalkaska area.
Charles passed away at his home in Florida on Mar 14, 2004, after suffering a lengthy illness. Family and longtime friend, Charles Bigelow, was with him at the time of his passing.
Charles Philip Staley was born on Jul 8, 1931, in Danville, IL, to Chester William and Pauline Staley, one of six children. He was married to Carole Siebert in Lansing. They shared and loved their three children, Daniel Phillip, Michael Keith, and Diane Denise.
Most people in the Grayling area will remember Charles as an avid archer and winner of many Fred Bear Archery Tournaments. Prior to compound bows, Charles won the "Long Distance Clout" State Championship in 1963. He and Carole also owned and operated the Furniture and Sewing Center, located on Michigan Ave in Grayling, where the current Riverland Store is located. Charles also owned and managed Wildwood Land Company in Kalkaska, Graying, and Cadillac areas. He truly loved and appreciated the beauty of the north country and his friends and family, and he was an avid fisherman and hunter.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Pauline Staley; former wife, Carole Staley Thayer; one sister, Ruth Ross, and one brother, Jon Staley.
He is survived by two sons, Daniel Philip Staley and Michael Keith Staley, both of Kalkaska; daughter, Diane Denise (Chris) Salisbury of Hartford, WI; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers, William Staley of Tampa, FL, and Tom (Susan) Staley of Pinconning; one sister, Marilyn (Virgil) Mohler of Kalkaska, and one half sister, Yvonne (Mitchell) Turner of Eaton Rapids.
Charles was such an inspiration to all who knew him; he will be sadly missed, and forever be remembered for all the kindness and goodness he so willingly shared with all.
There will be a gathering following the services at the Bear Lake Community Church to reminisce on how Charles P Staley touched your life.
