Mr. Orlando Charles Pointer was born to Sam and Pauline Pointer, Sr., on August 6, 1964 in Morris, Oklahoma.

Orlando, who was better known as Charles, was the second of four children. He was a graduate of Dewar High School with the Class of 1982. After graduation, Charles enrolled at Northeastern State University, where he attended for two years. While at NSU, he became a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After leaving NSU, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country for nine years.

Charles had an unusual quality, in that there were no boundaries and his passion was to excel in everything he participated in. An All-State football selection [LB/RB] his senior year, Charles also excelled in baseball and basketball. His wide range of interests included video games, hunting, fishing or anything else that posed a challenge. Charles traveled to various locations around the world, but the area he enjoyed the most, in particular, was the Caribbean Islands. There, he was introduced and grew to love [Gospel] Reggae. But no matter where Charles traveled, he was always proud to make it known that he was raised on Tiger Mountain.

In 2003, Charles was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigh's disease [ALS], but, true to form, Charles never accepted the diagnosis as an obstacle, but faced it as a challenge. In his fight against the disease, Charles was welcomed back home to Tiger Mountain, where his Mom and Dad lovingly cared for him and provided comfort during his most challenging times. During all these struggles, it seemed that his spirit was never down. With his giving heart and cunning sense of humor, he continued to spread his cheerful joy. Beginning with his morning smile, Charles never failed to give back love, comfort and inspiration on a daily basis.

Upon his return home, he was welcomed by the entire community, with support and admiration. He faithfully attended Silver Springs Baptist Church, where so much overwhelming love was shown for Charles. Whether it was through prayers, visits, Spiritual Hymns in the Creek language [that he loved so much] or donations, this love was unwavering. It was at Silver Springs Baptist Chruch that Charles rededicated his life to Christ.

While at home on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, Charles was called to his eternal home to be with his Lord Jesus.

He leaves in God's care; his devoted parents, Sam and Pauline Pointer, Sr., of Tiger Mountain; two brothers, Sam and Sharonda Pointer, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia and Victor and Veronica Pointer, of Richmond, Virginia; a sister, Lousenda and Keven Pannell, of Henryetta, Oklahoma; six nephews, Marcus, Justin, Marvin, Keven, Joshua and Daniel; four nieces, Brandy, Amber, Kamryn and Khloe; a great-nephew, Jaden; a great-niece, Dezmond; six uncles; eight aunts; a special friend, Lynne Bachand; and a long-time friend, Eilene Newberry Whittaker; along with other relatives and friends.

The Service of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Baptist Church of Dewar. Brother Dennis Bible will officiate. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma at 1:00 P.M.

You may visit Charles, as he slumbers at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Okmulgee on Tuesday from 10 AM to 6 PM.