Charles Victor Pollack, Sr.

Charles Victor Pollack, Sr., a cherished member of the Selma community, passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 94. He was born on August 3, 1930, to the late Theodore and Rose Pollatschek in Horn, Austria. Charles lived a life filled with kindness, dedication, and service to others, qualities that earned him the respect and love of all who knew him.

His mother and his sister, Ernestine, emigrated to the United States in 1939 after the Nazi party evicted them and their fellow Jewish townspeople from their homes and their possessions. 

A graduate of A.G. Parrish High School in 1949, Charles embarked on an life journey that was as impressive as it was inspiring. He attended The University of Alabama before serving his country in the Korean War. As a decorated tank commander in the U.S. Army, he demonstrated courage and leadership, eventually departing with the rank of Master Sergeant. His commitment to service did not end there; he continued to serve his nation through the Alabama Army National Guard.

Upon returning from his military service, Charles completed a degree in business management from Los Angeles City College. He channeled his education and experience into a successful career as a longtime businessman in Selma, working as the purchasing manager for the American Candy Company alongside the Gibian family. His professional life was characterized by his genuine spirit and warm demeanor, traits that were often distilled into the words “kind and sweet,” which echoed among all who knew him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charles was deeply invested in his community. He was proud lifelong citizen of Selma, actively volunteering his time at the Selma Area Food Bank and the Selma-Dallas County Public Library. His commitment to helping others extended to his long-time service with the Kiwanis Club, where he worked diligently to enhance the lives of those around him.

Charles's contributions were recognized in May of 2006, when he and his beloved wife, Jane, received the Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Exchange Club. This honor reflected their shared dedication to service and their passion for making a positive impact in the lives of those in Selma.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Barry Pollack; his parents and his sister.

He is survived by his children, Charles (Gloria) Pollack, Jr. of Devon, PA, Jon (Shannon) Stewart of Selma, Margaret Stewart (Stuart) McDonald of Ft. Worth, TX, and Andy (Rebecca) Stewart of Selma; ten grandchildren, Kurt (Samantha) Pollack, Bailey (Abigail Hitchon) Pollack, Carolina Pollack, Thomas Slaught, Evelyn Stewart (Jamie) Ward, Mary Stewart, Malcolm (Stephanie) McDonald, Sarah Jane McDonald, Jane Anne Stewart (Luke) Hutcheson, and Louise Stewart, and one great-grandchild, Elizabeth Ward.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Church Street Methodist Church with Rev. Diane Everette officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. The family will receive friends for a reception at the church after the service. He will be laid to rest at New Live Oak Cemetery at a private service at a later date with military honors rendered by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Temple Mishkan Israel, P O Box 510, Selma, Alabama 36702 or online at www.selmatemple.org