THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 23, 1995 TAG: 9504210216
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Frank Roberts
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
The first time I interviewed Charles Thomas Slaughter Jr., it was instant friendship.
Diabetes, which sometimes causes kidney failure, was among his ailments. He also was blind, but he saw so many routes to joy.
Charles was awaiting a kidney transplant. But on April 15, at age 27, he joined the number of those who died before they were able to get an organ donation.
When I last saw Charles, in November, he was on dialysis three times a week, 3 1/2 hours each time. The idea that his work time was so limited clearly bothered him.
Charles' life was centered around his church, New Jerusalem Church of Christ in Carrsville, and the churches he served in one musical capacity or another.
I met him in 1982, when one of his musical dreams had come true: With the help of a friend, who guided him via a gentle elbow nudge, he had become a proud member of the John F. Kennedy High School Marching Band.
Charles had a lot to be proud of - directing several church music groups, performing with a group called the Brother-In-Laws, working with the Norfolk State Gospel Choir.
He received a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies, with a concentration in music, from Norfolk State University. He never went to special schools.
When he first went blind, he said, the Department of Visually Handicapped offered to send him to the Virginia State School for the Deaf and Blind.
``Places like that are for people who are different,'' he told me. ``I didn't think I was different.''
Of course he was.
Charles could compose, direct a choir, sing and play piano, organ, baritone sax and trumpet. And, he could get around. Put someone by his side, and he was off.
Several years ago, we went with some mutual friends to Busch Gardens. The people there treated him beautifully, and he loved it.
Charles was a roller-coaster enthusiast. We went on all of them. When we got scared, he joked, we closed our eyes, but he didn't have to.
Don't get the idea that all was rosy. Charles had many lonely moments; he confessed to some pity parties, but they were short-lived.
Charles' family was always with him; God was always by his side; his friends were many; his music made him happy.
When we talked in November, he said, ``Most of the time, I'm up mentally. A lot of people encourage me to keep going. I know I have a lot to live for.''
Farewell, my friend. ILLUSTRATION: Staff file photo by BILL TIERNAN
Charles Slaughter Jr. directed several church music groups,
performed with the Brother-In-Laws and worked with the Norfolk State
Gospel Choir.
by CNB