Charles Lee Coval, son of the late Nellie Gardner and William Coval, was born on April 15, 1937 in Pantego, North Carolina and reared in Portsmouth, Virginia. Later as a young man, Charles joined the United States Army. After being honorably discharged he settled in Asbury Park, New Jersey but later moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

While in Atlantic City, he met and married the former Naomi Patricia Helen Downing and from this union, they had two children, Charpata and Willanchas. He was a man of many talents and worked in the hospitality industry as a taxicab driver and food vendor. Considered to be a "Chef Extraordinaire", in midlife, Charles owned a grocery store and several eateries in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was known for his extroverted personality and enjoyed writing poems and lyrics to original melodies.

In later years, he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. After this new change in his life, he would find himself sharing the Word with others at the city park. Charles would say, "I don't know what I would do without Christ!" Although he didn't have much at times, he was willing to cook food to share with others.

On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, Charles departed this life in Egg Harbor, New Jersey. His sister, Bertha Mae Edwards, and a brother, William "Buddy" Beaukay are both deceased. He is survived by his younger brother, Johnnie Brown; daughter, Charpata Candace Coval; son, Willanchas Coval; devoted ex-wife and friend, Naomi Patricia Coval; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Viewing and Funeral Service is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 am on July 3, 2018 at McCann-Healey Funeral Home at 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. The burial service is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on July 3, 2018 at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery at 350 Province Line Rd., Wrightstown, NJ 08562.

In lieu of cards and flowers, please send memorial donations in Charles' name to: AtlantiCare Hospice-P.O. Box 1626, Pleasantville, NJ 08232. Please write in memo: Charles Lee Coval.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Charles Lee Coval. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City, NJ. Phone: 856-456-1142

"Song of Praise"

The love I know now in my heart and mind

Is a love that's so peaceful and kind.

Lord, such gentleness I find in Your caress

Just makes my heart sing praise to You!

The love in my heart I found in Jesus' name

Has brought joy in my life and I know

I'm gonna shine.

Now, my Lord, I give praise to Your name,

For You, Lord, gave me peace of mind

and turned my life around.

By Charles Coval