Charles Thomas Shute

Charles Thomas Shute also known as Abdul Malik, was the cute, curly head, middle child of Matthew and Lillian Shute born on April 15, 1944 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was called to his eternal rest on August 10, 2021. Charles was predeceased by his parents and brother Matthew Jr.

As a young boy, Charles enjoyed sports and being mischievous with his brother Math Jr. They both would tease their little sister and made it known that they asked for another brother or a dog, not a sister! As years passed, both brothers became very protective of their only sister and maintained a close relationship over the years.

Charles attended Biddleville Elementary School where he had the joy of being taught by a favorite aunt, Ionia Shute Gamble. Upon completion, he attended Northwest Jr High and West Charlotte Sr High. During his years at West Charlotte, Charles enjoyed playing basketball, golf and became an avid tennis player. He was an unofficial assistant tennis coach while on of his daughters attended West Charlotte. He taught all of his children the game of tennis! Charles was an active member of the Dilworth Tennis Team where he played 5-6 days per week until his latter days.

Charles matriculated at Mecklenburg College before enlisting in the Armed Forces. While serving in the Army, Charles was stationed in South Carolina, Georgia and Panama where he received training as a Medic.

Employment for Charles included General Tire and Huttig Window Sash and Door. Charles began work at the U.S. Postal Service in 1974. He was a dedicated worker who was well respected. He formed many lasting friendships during his tenure with the Postal Service. Due to health conditions, Charles retired in 2014 after 42 years of service.

Charles married Helen Withers (now deceased) in 1972. From this union, seven beautiful children were born: Kimaka, Abdul, Nkenge, Naimah, Rashad, Jamia and Jamal. He was a very loving and supportive father. Charles enjoyed attending sporting events that his children and grandchildren participated in. One of the fondest memories of his children was to frequently travel to South Carolina to get gas for the care and to pick peaches in the area when in season.

Charles made a special effort to spend time with his children during holidays. He always encouraged them to do their best to attain the highest achievements.

Charles continued to be a lifelong supporter of his alma mater, WCHS and would dress in the school colors from head to toe at sporting events. He enjoyed bonding with his oldest son Abdul as they attended local high school, college and professional basketball and football games together over many years.

In 2015, Charles married Muriel Johnson who was a former classmate and friend. He enjoyed her companionship for the past seven years and would occasionally double date with his cousin. Charles and Muriel sang duets on special occasions. They sang "Let it Be Me" on the front porch for the last time the Sunday before Charles' passing.

Charles became a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church (formerly Biddleville) at a young age. Later as an adult, he joined C.N. Jenkins Presbyterian, the church founded by his maternal grandfather. He regularly attended church and paid his tithes.

There is no one who enjoyed music more than Charles! He would listen daily to all genres of music on his "Alexa" which was a gift from his cousin Joseph. In the wee hours of the morning, Charles could be heard, calling out to hear favorites played. His selection ranged from John Coltrane, Hubert Laws, Nancy Wilson, Patty Paige, Might Clouds of Joy, Mahalia Jackson, The Carpenters and his all-time favorite group, The Temptations. Even as his health began to decline but maintaining his bass voice, Charles continued to Motown hits remembering every word!

Charles leaves to cherish precious memories, a devoted family: Wife, Muriel Shute; Children: Kimaka Shute Hilliard and son-in-law Tyrone Hilliard, Abdul Malik Shute I, Nkenge Shute, Naimah Shute, Rashad, Jamia Shute and Jamal Shute. One sister, Valerie Shute Harvey and brother-in-law Elliott Harvey, Sr. Five grandchildren: Abdul Malik II, Sekou Hill, Tyree Hilliard, Tyra Hilliard and Amiri Dalmeida. Nieces and Nephews: Devona Cobb (Raymond), Rahsarn Jones (Dana), Elliott Harvey, Jr. (Jessica), Tamillia Adjiri (Nealson) and Matthew Harvey. Great nephews and nieces: Raymond Cobb III, Jackson and Ava Harvey and Esmond Adjiri. First cousins: Marlow F. Shute, Jr., Karen B. Dunlap, Johnsie Y. Dease, Gloria Y. McClure (Donald) and Joseph H. Younge. There are a host of other cousins and friends whom he loved dearly and kept in close contact with. Charles was blessed for several years to have a nurturing Caregiver, Geraldine Hicklen in the home who accompanied him to appointments.