Oliver Charles Kendrick

Oliver Charles Kendrick, affectionately known as "Daddy," "Charles," "Charles K.," and "Bounty Hunter," was born in Haynesville, Louisiana, on October 14, 1946, and passed away on August 21, 2024, at Fairmont Senior Living in Centerville, Ohio. 

In 1968, he married Willa Moore, and they had two children, LaTricia "Trese" and Kena. Charles graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964, where he excelled on the varsity wrestling team, earning a medal for a quick pin. He and his family were active members of Phillips Temple Church CME Church, where he rededicated his life to Christ in 2017. 

From 1966 to 1968, Charles served in the Army, receiving various medals and awards, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Despite the challenges he faced during his military service, he proudly participated in the Veterans Day Memorial Celebration in 2023. 

After 25 years of service, Charles retired from Delco Products, a General Motors Corporation, in 1990. During retirement, he dedicated his time to attending his grandchildren's school activities and sports events, enjoying morning coffee at White Castle, and indulging in his passion for live music at the Fraze Pavilion. Charles was actively involved in various groups around the city, including a bowling league, and running and cycling clubs. Cycling became a significant part of his life, earning him the nickname "Bounty Hunter" for his competitive spirit because he would chase after riders that passed him on the trail. 

Charles was thankful for 32 years of a "clean" life and enthusiastically shared transforming testimonial and motivational recovery messages throughout the Midwest. He served as a recovery sponsor for many years, finding joy in helping others. Among his interests were the Raiders, fashion, and his love for Cadillacs. Always impeccably dressed, he was often seen in stylish attire, complete with his signature hats and collection of sneakers. 

Charles is survived by his daughters LaTricia (Shawn) Long and Kena (Terance) Brown; five grandchildren, Kennedy, Devin, Terance Jr. "TJ", Jonas and Madison; one sister, Brenda-Shelton Dunston; three nephews, Brandon, Jarrett, and Kenneth; three aunts, Earnestine Sims, Christine Levingston, and Frances Sims; and a multitude of loving cousins. Charles was greatly loved by many members of his recovery community, especially his sponsor and those he sponsored and will also be sorely missed by the Factory Road Friends Bike Club in Dayton and the southwest biking community. As only he could say, “I Love you...Later!” 

Funeral service 12 pm Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Phillips Temple CME Church, 3620 Shiloh Springs Rd, Trotwood, OH. Visitation 11 am at which time family will receive friends.  Interment Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home. 

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