Charles O. Christian, 83, of Suffolk, died Monday, April 4, 2011 at his residence. He was a native of Richmond, Va., and the son of the late Edward and Louise Christian. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Jones and Estelle Baker; and one brother, Willie Christian.

He was a graduate of Armstrong High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Virginia State College. He retired from Norfolk State University in 1992. Mr. Christian was a member of First Baptist Church, where he was a trustee, member of the Brotherhood Ministry and Finance Committee.

His special honors include: CIAA Coach of the Year for four times — 1983, 1984, 1987 and 1989; South Atlantic District Coach of the Year — 1987 and 1990; seven-time CIAA Tournament Coach; teams finished No. 1 in nation in Division II — 1983-84 and 1986-1987; team finished No. 1 in Sheridan Poll — 1990; inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame — February 1988; inducted into the Virginia State University Hall of Fame — May 1989; inducted into the Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame — October 2002; chosen to coach in French International Tournament in 1992.

Mr. Christian was affiliated with other organizations, which include: Alpha Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Suffolk Boosters Club, Inc.; Gold Life Member of NAACP; Southern Poverty Law Center — 13 years; Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee; Dominion Resources Energy Share Committee; American Personnel and Guidance Association; National Association of Basketball Coaches; Boy Scout Advisory Board; Salvation Army Advisory Board; Suffolk Civic Forum; Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters for financial support; first black on Board of Directors for Louise Obici Hospital; first black on board of Morgan Memorial Library; Board of Directors of American Red Cross, Suffolk; Suffolk Public School Board; Paul D. Camp Community College Board; and Suffolk Historic Landmarks Commission.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving wife, Elizabeth J. Christian; two daughters, Charlene E. Andrews (James), of Chesapeake, Va., and Annette L. Ross (Jerome), of Richmond, Va.; nephews, Horace E. Christian (Peggy), of Chesapeake, Va., and Ralph Minor; great-nephews, Horace E. Christian Jr., of Los Angeles, Calif., and Jason Christian-Connor, of New York; niece, Jacquelyn Christian-Connor, of New York; godson, Sherman Z. Logan (Frank), of Richmond; goddaughter, Deborah K. Logan, of Richmond; devoted friends, Mary D. Logan-Morton, of Richmond, and Kessye D. Cargille; extended family, the Archies/Jones family of Norfolk; the Barnes family of Chesapeake; Bobby Vaughan, of Elizabeth City, N.C.; devoted sons, Ross Boone, of Suffolk, Arthur Barrett (Valerie), of Suffolk, Peter Mitchell (Carrie), of Maryland, Earl Jones (Delores), of Illinois, Lewis Simon, of Alabama, Clinton Wright (Javonda), of Suffolk; Ronald Hart (Ethel), of Suffolk, Wilbur Holland, of Suffolk, Charles Jackson (Jean), of Suffolk; and a multitude of loved ones and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Tabernacle Christian Church, 2500 East Washington St., officiated by Dr. Steven G. Blunt. Bishop Carlton Upton is pastor. Interment will be in Holly Lawn Cemetery. A wake will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 112 Mahan St., Suffolk. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will conduct its Omega Service at 11:45 a.m. Saturday before the funeral at Tabernacle. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.