Charles Matthews

I grew up in Vicksburg, Ms. graduated from Culkin Academy High School-1950, graduated from Southern Business College -1954. I joined the Ms. Army National Guard, 31st Inf. Division in 1949. Called to active duty in 1951. Served every rank in the army from Private to Warrant Officer to Commission Officer - Retired Colonel (06). Served in Korea in 1952-2 years active duty plus 36 1/2 years National Guard. Retired with 38 1/2 years service, 1949 through 1988. Member V.F.W. an American Legion.Worked for A&P Supermarkets from 1948 through 1988. Retired with 40 years service. Served in many positions at store level,Meat Supervisor, Meat Buyer and as Director of Meat Operations. Started my brokerage business in 1988 to 1998. Specializing in meat and deli products. Retired for the third time. Owner of nine Antique Vehicles all restored to original. They are a 1926 Chevy 4dr Sedan, 1928 Model A Ford Coupe w/rumble seat, 1932 Chevy Deluxe 5 window Sport Coupe, 1940 Chevy 2dr Sedan, 1942 Chevy Pickup, 1952 Chevy 2dr Sedan, 1953 Army Jeep M38-A1, 1967 Ford Mustang, and a 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 111.

I enjoyed my days as a cheerleader, my best sport was basketball. Coaching the boys on the Jr. High Basketball Team was lots of fun.
One day in Ms Chaney's History class some of the boys in the back of the room was cutting up, some of which were Harry Dick and Vannoy Downey and when Ms. Chaney had enough, she said "alright, all you boys back there with Harry Dick stand up," and Vannoy stood up and said "will fuzz do," the whole class bust out laughing and Ms. Chaney's face turned red.
A day to remember is when the Army National Guard brough a 2 1/2 ton Army truck out to Culkin and picked up myself and eight other boys to join the Army National Gaurd. In January 1951 we were called to active duty for two years.
I really enjoyed school, my classmates and friends during those years at Culkin.