Montgomery, AL – Charles Averett Stakely, III, 90, entered into Heaven on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at his home in Montgomery. He is survived by Winifred Stakely, his wife of 36 years; his sons, Ben Stakely (Cathryn), Frank Stakely (Stacey), and Harry Stakely (Luisana); his daughter-in-law, Winter Stakely; his eight grandchildren, Johnston Stakely (Andrea), Krisie Stakely, Charlie Stakely V, Elle Stakely, McKay Stakely, Sarah Cate Stakely, Emi Stakely, and Manuel Jimenez; his great-grandson, Tripp Stakely; and the children and grandchildren of George Goodwyn, Jr. (Sarah), Philip Goodwyn (Michelle), and Windy Goodwyn. He was preceded in death by his son, Charles A. Stakely IV, and former wife, Carolyn Stakely.
Charlie was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on June 2, 1935. He was the son of Charles and Harriotte Stakely, Jr., and the grandson of Dr. Charles A. Stakely, Sr., a prominent pastor of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery. After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School, Charlie attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He then attended the University of Arizona, from which he graduated in 1957, and then attended the University of Alabama School of Law. He served on the Board of Editors of the Alabama Law Review and graduated with the class of 1960.
After obtaining his law degree, Charlie returned to Montgomery to work in his father’s law firm, Rushton, Stakely, Johnston, and Garrett, where he served as President for many years. His legal career was legendary, particularly in the field of medical malpractice defense. One author wrote that Charlie “established a reputation in Alabama (and even across the country) as a premier malpractice defense attorney.” Some of his many professional accomplishments include serving as Chairman of the Alabama State Committee of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, being a Member of the International Association of Insurance Counsel, and being an Honorary Member of the Alabama Judicial College, as well as having been a former Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alabama. He has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America every year since its original inception. Former governors appointed him to serve on the State Securities Commission and the Alabama Constitutional Commission. He is a former faculty member of Jones Law School. He lectured extensively to professional groups, including the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Dental Association, the Child Neurology Society in Boston, and the Swedish Trade Council in Stockholm, Sweden. Charlie’s work ethic was unmatched, his legal skills the envy of many, and his professionalism the standard by which others were measured.
Charlie’s legal accomplishments were matched only by his generosity to his community. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Charlie spent decades serving as a Sunday School teacher and department superintendent. He once wrote of the arts, “Other than religious principles and beliefs, there is little that an adult can provide for young people and for his community that compares with the arts for enriching the lives and spirit of the individual.” His contributions to the arts were many: Board Chairman of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, President of the Montgomery Symphony Association, Board Chairman of the Alabama Archives and History Foundation, former member of the Board of Overseers of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and member of the Advisory Board of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. He served as Chairman of the Montgomery Parks and Recreation Board as well as President of the South-Southeast Branches of the Montgomery YMCA. Charlie was honored by his alma mater in 1993 when he was inducted into the Sidney Lanier High School Hall of Fame for distinguished graduates. He received the Man of the Year Award by the YMCA Youth of Montgomery, the Citizens Distinguished Service Award from the Montgomery Jaycees, the Blount Arts Leadership Award from the Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts, the Governor’s Award from the State Arts Council, the Silver Baton Award from the Montgomery Symphony Association, and the De Tocqueville Award from the Montgomery Area United Way. Charlie also served as a substitute reader for the blind on public radio and as the past president of Gift of Life.
Charlie Stakely was the rare type of Man whose true impact will never be fully realized. Despite all of his successes, Charlie’s roles as father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were his most precious. A glance inside his office at Rushton Stakely would not reveal the expected plaques, awards, letters, and other markings of a distinguished lawyer. Instead, one would find every inch covered with pictures of his family – every inch. He was a loving husband, a great father to his four sons, a wonderful grandfather to his eight grandchildren and great-grandson, and a best friend to each member of the Stakely family.
Charlie Stakely was a true gentleman. His intelligence, integrity, and wit were of the highest order. He will be missed dearly by his family and community.
Charlie’s funeral service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Stakely Sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, with Reverend Jay Wolf officiating.
Instead of flowers, you may make memorial contributions to The Caring Center at First Baptist Church of Montgomery, the Montgomery Symphony, or a charity of your choice.
Charlie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Vanessa Thymes, Willie Mae Scott, DeLoise Jones, Terri Rudolph, Cleo Taylor, and Rachel Eskridge for their recent assistance and contributions.