Charles William Duren was born in Jefferson, South Carolina to Rachel Lockhart and George Duren on July 17, 1934, with a Sunrise of May 10th, 2019.

Charles "Papa" Duren was raised on a farm with by his grandparents Wylie and Ella Threatt Duren among his sisters and brothers Jerome & Jack Duren and his cousin Margaret. Growing up on the farm is where papa learned to become a sharecropper and was instilled with the hard-working values that he possessed to his last day. Charles " Papa" Duren married Margaret Ree McCullough in Salisbury, North Carolina and had 4 children, Dorthea " Net" Duren, Charles Duren Jr., Mary Troutman, and Keith Duren. In the late 1960s, Charles "Papa" Duren transitioned to Alexandria, Virginia where he became a warehouse manager at Von Paris van lines. Papa was everyone's papa and friend. He was well known through Alexandria for his infectious smile and generous heart.

He played a huge part in his three grandchildren's life Shanita Ramos, Justin Ramos, and Jonathan Ramos that were located in Virginia, where he made sure he was apart of everything they did. He has 13 grandchildren located in North Carolina, Reco Duren, Reginald Duren, Latasha Duren, Raynard Duren, Patrick Duren, Michelle Duren, Conisha Duren, Linda Duren, Renee Duren and host of great-grandchildren. He loved being a grandfather and all he ever talked about were all his grandchildren and how much joy they brought to his life, he always explained each one of us is different in our own way and bring our own unique love.

In his earlier years, he enjoyed hosting his weekly card games with his best friend sweetie, his weekend trips to the race track and just overall hanging with his family and friends and enjoying life. Papa worked as a warehouse manager and along with his son Charles Duren in the moving business all the way up until 2002 where he retired to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent his last days taking weekend trips with his best friend/ cousin Leroy, taking trips and spending time with his sons and daughter and smiling. Papa enjoyed loving people and making them happy, there was never a time you did not see his vibrant smile on his face. He always gave without looking for anything back, his idea of life was to give and to love and just be happy. Papa fulfilled every moment of his wonderful life.

The family would like to thank all of our friends & family for all of the well wishes, condolences, and prayers.