About Charles Raymond Waits
Charles "Charlie" R. Waits III was a dedicated attorney based in Jasper, Alabama, specializing in personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2004, starting a significant legal career. In addition to his Alabama license, Charlie was also licensed to practice in Mississippi, broadening his ability to serve clients across state lines. He earned his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 2004, following a Bachelor of Arts in English from Vanderbilt University in 2001. This strong educational foundation gave him the skills necessary to navigate complex legal issues effectively.
Charlie began his legal career at Colom Law Firm in Columbus, Mississippi, where he gained inexperience in various areas of law. After honing his skills, he established his own practice in Decatur, Alabama. This lets the attorney serve clients more directly. In 2010, he opened Charlie Waits Attorney-at-Law in Jasper, where he became a well-known figure in the community. His practice focused on helping individuals and families through challenging legal situations, and he was known for his compassionate approach and commitment to justice. In addition to his private practice, Charlie was actively involved in the legal community.
He served on the Walker County Indigency Defense Advisory Board, which oversees legal representation for indigent criminal defendants in Walker County. This role demonstrated his dedication to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, had access to legal representation. He was also a member of the Walker County Bar Association, where he collaborated with fellow attorneys to enhance the legal profession in the region. Charlie passed away on July 15, 2025, at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to his clients. He is survived by his son, Chase Waits, who carries on his father’s spirit and values. His parents, Ray and Freida Waits, and his brother, Joshua (Gibian) Waits, also mourn his loss, along with his nieces and nephew, Jane Frances, Julia, and William.
Charlie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Frances Waits, and Polly Crocker Leslie, who played significant roles in his life. A visitation was held on July 18, 2025, followed by a funeral service on July 19, 2025, at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in Anniston, Alabama. A celebration of life took place on July 20, 2025, at Lynn Church of God in Lynn, Alabama, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor his memory. Charlie's contributions to the legal community and his dedication to his clients are fondly remembered by those who knew him, ensuring that his impact will be felt for years to come.
