May 17, 1930 – Dec. 3, 2011

NATCHEZ — Services for Charles Lee Flowers Sr., 81, of Natchez, who died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at King Solomon Baptist Church with the Rev. Freddie Schiele officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Robert D. Mackel and Sons Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home with Elks rites at 6:45 p.m.

Mr. Flowers was born May 17, 1930, in Port Gibson, the son of Gloster Flowers and Willie Mae Flowers. He attended Port Gibson public schools, Natchez College and Alcorn College. He also served in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Flowers retired from International Paper Company after 40 years of service. He was affiliated with the Elks since 1952, a member of the Wharlest Jackson Elks Lodge No. 1675 (Exalted President), and a lifelong member of King Solomon Baptist Church where he served as a deacon until his death.

Mr. Flowers was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Willena, Ruby and Margie; and one daughter-in-law, Jessica Lewis Flowers.

Survivors include his wife, Celia B. Flowers; one brother, Gloster Flowers Jr. and wife, Lynn, of Kansas City, Kan.; five children, Roy Calvin Blake and wife, Pat, of Memphis, Tenn., Ronnie Joe Blake and wife, Doretha, of Jackson, Melodie Grennell and husband, Thomas, and Charles Flowers Jr., all of Natchez, and Fredia Marie Flowers of Fayette; five grandchildren, Tavachi Flowers, Jaylan L. Grennell, Franchessa Adams, KeKe Blake and Yolanda Taylor; 10 great-grandchildren; seven sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; 15 nieces and nephews; two special friends, Carla White and Anita Newborne; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be members of the Wharlest Jackson Elks Lodge.