Charles E. Yancey was born November 13, 1925, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Percy and Blanche Smith Yancey in Washington, PA. Chuck lived in Detroit for 15 years prior to moving to Flint. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during World War II, where he distinguished himself by earning the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific 1 star. He began working for Chevrolet in Flint in 1946 and became a member of UAW Local #659. His union involvement for a period of over 43 years including serving in numerous local union positions, being appointed to the UAW International Headquarters in Detroit, appointed to the National Education Dept. In July of 1965, The Assistant Director from 1968 through 1985, being appointed the Director of the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center at Black Lake by UAW International President Owen Bieber until his retirement in January 1989. One of his major union accomplishments was being awarded the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award. He was a member of the 7th Congressional District Democratic Black Caucas, Michigan Democratic Committee, 659 Retiree Club, and was an elected precent delegate.

He leaves to cherish his memory: devoted wife, Martha; stepmother, Mrs. Roena Yancey Cook; Daughter, Debra of East Point, GA; 5 sons, Ronald (Lola) Watkins, Stephen all of Flint, Douglas (Bernadine) of Cincinnati, OH, Reginald (Ida) of Portland, OR, and Jeffery (Gwen) Yancey of Columbia, TN; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters, Francis Tillage of Flint, Velma Jackson of Bronx, NY, Blanche (Dr. Martin) Seldon of Detroit, MI; brother, Floyd (Alma) Yancey of Cleveland, OH; three sister-in-laws, Wilma Rosemond of Flint; Beverly (Robert) Lee of Los Angeles, CA, Flora Hayes of Carson, CA; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and union associates.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers and two sisters.