Charles L. Fisher was greeted by God on December 31, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. He was a loving, caring, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who treasured his family, faith, and friends.
Charles was born on April 22, 1936, in Marshall (Harrison County), Texas, to the parentage of James Rosevelt Fisher and Joanna (Anderson) Fisher. Charles was the first born of their three children.
His education began in Marshall, Texas, when he graduated from Pemberton High School in May 1956. He participated in football, baseball, and track and served as captain of the football and baseball teams.
In May 1961, Charles graduated from Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts.
Continuing his studies and preparing for his career, he received a Master of Education in Educational Administration, and Secondary Education Administration Certification from Prairie View A&M University in
1968. While at Prairie View A&M University, Charles was an outstanding wide receiver and was
on the 1958 National Championship team.
He was an “All Conference” Performer in football and baseball. He also lettered in Track. After college, Charles served in the United States Army for two years.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated became a significant part of Charles’ life. He was initiated into Gamma Pi Lambda Chapter in Galveston, Texas on February 9, 1964.
Charles loved fishing and hunting in his spare time and was very skilled in these hobbies. Charles was also passionate about working on the farm with his brother, Harold. They shared their love for working together to ensure their futures were secured for them and their families.
Their motto was “Alone, we can do so little; Together, we can do so much.” With the togetherness model, Charles passionately loved his family, friends, and community. His most treasured accomplishments were being a loving husband and an excellent father.
The professional background of Charles L. Fisher included:
• Teacher and Coach – Burnett High School, Terrell, Texas
• Teacher and Coach –Lorraine Crosby High School – Hitchcock, Texas
• Teacher and Coach – L. G. Pinkston High School, Dallas Independent School District (DISD), Dallas, Texas
• Assistant Principal – L. G. Pinkston High School, DISD
• Assistant Principal – Skyline High School, DISD
• Associate Principal – South Oak Cliff High School, DISD
• Principal – Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, DISD
• Principal – L. G. Pinkston High School, DISD
Professional, community service and memberships for Charles Fisher included Associate, National Association of Secondary School Principals; Associate, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals; Dallas School Administrators Association; Dallas Regional/National Alliance of Black School Educators, and Epsilon Phi Tau. Also, Prairie View A&M University Alumni Association; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; Magna Vista / Cedar View Civic Association; African American Museum Advisory Board; Boy Scouts of America; and Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ.
Recognitions for Charles were extensive. He received the following awards, proclamations, and other distinctions: Outstanding Administrators Award; Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame Award; Prairie View A&M University Sports Hall of Fame; Member of the 1958 National Championship Football Team – Prairie View A&M University; Ex-Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1989; Dr. H. I. Holland Education Award Class of 1999 sponsored by The Elite News; Dallas Independent School District Area 2 Top Administrators Award; and the Vince Lombardi “What It Takes To Be NO 1 Award.” He was a role model, mentor, and an inspiration to many boys, girls, and adults whose lives were touched by his exemplary life, extraordinary love, and enduring legacy. Understanding that love would be a pivotal part of his life and success, he married his true love, Shirley R. Wells Fisher, on August 24, 1963.
The couple was married in her hometown of Galveston, Texas. They brought one daughter, Shawn Fisher-Cojoe, into the world, then extended their love and time to their two granddaughters, Tristan and Trinity Cojoe.
Charles was preceded in death by his father, James Fisher; his mother, Joanna Fisher; his sister, Gertrude Fisher; his niece, Traci Fisher; and his brother, Harold Fisher.
His memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley R. Fisher; daughter, Shawn Fisher-Cojoe; Granddaughters Tristan and Trinity Cojoe; his nieces: Alicia Fisher, Kimberly (Albert) Fonteno, Kelley Romar, and Kimberly Reed; his nephew Todd (Ann) Scott; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, and special friends.
