Charlie McGrew was born on April 19, 1942, to the late Earlie and Ruthie Mae McGrew in Silas, Alabama. He was educated in the Choctaw County School System and graduated in 1960. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and united with the Pleasant Chapel Baptist Church.

Charlie Earl was employed as a roughneck with Penrod Drilling Company for over twenty years.

On January 26, 2026, Charlie Earl suddenly departed this earthly life and entered eternal rest.  He was preceded in death by: his daughter, Staphine Rona McGrew; brother, Jozell McGrew; sister, Renner Mae McGrew; and nephew, Wayne Mason.

Those left to cherish his memories are: his loving and devoted wife, Ollie Rose McGrew; two daughters, Veronica Miller and Quanalisa McGrew; two sons, Lester Nelson, Tarrence (Barbara) McGrew; thirteen grandchildren, Courtney (Will) Lowe, La'Ericka (Deondrae) Session, A'Jaiah Nelson, Zurita (Jason) Chambers, Tarrence Mitchell, Elder Pierre (Dava) McGrew, Tyris Miller, Quindarius Stewart, Devon Bates, Devin Bates, JaQuanney (Alacia) Nelson, Jaleek Nelson, and Shawn (Natasha) Causey; one sister, Jewellean Nelson; one brother, Dr. Milton (Terry) McGrew; seven sister-in laws and brother-in laws, Arthur James (Jessie) Hicks, Jimmy (Bertha) Hicks, Bettie Ann Hicks, Yvonne (Jackie Wayne) Hicks, Emma (Everett) Powe, Jacqueline (Freddie) Johnson, Billy Jack (Aletha) Hicks; two aunts, Carrie Bell Wilson, Ruby Lee McGrew; one uncle, Bishop Walter McGrew; twenty-one great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.