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Charles Victor Pollack Sr. was a cherished member of the Selma community who passed away just before the new year came in on Saturday, Dec. 28, at the age of 94 years old.

Pollack, Sr., was born on August 3,1930 to the late Theodore and Rose Pollatschek, who resided in Horn, Austria during the time of his birth.

In 1939, his mother Rose and sister, Ernestine emigrated to the United States after a political party in Germany called The Nazi Party, that is officially known as the National Socialist German Worker’s Party evicted them and their fellow Jewish townspeople from their homes and their possessions.

Despite the hardship that Pollack, Sr.’s family had to go through, he persevered and graduated from A.G. Parrish High School in 1949 which led him to embark on a life journey that was ‘impressive and inspiring’, according to his obituary by Lawrence-Brown Service Funeral Home.

After his graduation, he went on to attend the University of Alabama which led to him serving his country in the Korean War.

As a decorated tank commander in the U.S. Army, he demonstrated courage and leadership, which led to him eventually departing with the rank of Master Sergeant. His commitment to serve did not end there as he continued to serve his nation through the Alabama Army National Guard. Upon returning from his military service, Charles completed a degree in business management from Los Angeles City College where he channeled his education and experience into a successful career as a longtime businessman in Selma, according to his obituary by Lawrence-Brown Service Funeral Home.

During his time within his successful career, he worked as the purchasing manager for the American Candy Company, which is a confectionary company that manufactured candy all over the world, which was led by the Gibian family.

Doing his acts of service while working, Wayne Vardaman, who was Pollack, Sr.’s boss, the Vice President of the company at that time, said that Pollack was a very friendly guy, who didn’t meet a stranger and said throughout the time that he knew Pollack.Sr., his character was impeccable.

“He was a good guy,” Vardaman said. “He was really well respected in the community.”

Like Vardaman, Pollack, Sr.’s step son, Andy Stewart said that his stepfather was a great example of someone who really loved his country and his hometown of Selma.

“As far as like his example he set for us kids, was a lifelong service and dedication to helping others.”

Stewart said like his stepfather, he too followed into the footsteps of being a businessman working at the Trustmark Bank in Selma, and said as a child, he was able to observe his stepfather’s day to day life and witness him being such a hard worker.

“I was able to witness just how he enjoyed work and that he really worked hard for his family, so I carried those traits on.”

Stewart said even though, his stepfather was a hard worker at his job, he said when his stepfather served in the Korean War, that was the signature theme of his life.

“He really loved the United States,” Stewart said. The reason he loved it because he felt that the United States saved his life, especially when he, and his mom including his sister immigrated over into the United States, that really saved his life.”

Stewart also told The Selma Times Journal Reporter Faith Callens that Pollack, Sr. had a strong love for Selma and said that he served at the Selma-Dallas County
public library during his retirement from the candy company and through his diligent act of service, he also gave his time to the local food bank up until the day that he passed away.

Over time, Pollack, Sr., also committed his time to the Kiwanis Club in Selma where he worked diligently to enhance the lives of those around him. Charles’s contributions were recognized in May of 2006, when he and his beloved wife, Jane, received the Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Exchange Club. This honor reflected their shared dedication to service and their passion for making a positive impact in the lives of those in Selma, according to his obituary by Lawrence-Brown Service Funeral Home.

Pollack, Sr., was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Barry Pollack; his parents and his sister.

He is survived by his children, Charles (Gloria) Pollack, Jr. of Devon, PA, Jon (Shannon) Stewart of Selma, Margaret Stewart (Stuart) McDonald of Ft. Worth, TX, and Andy (Rebecca) Stewart of Selma; ten grandchildren, Kurt (Samantha) Pollack, Bailey (Abigail Hitchon) Pollack, Carolina Pollack, Thomas Slaught, Evelyn Stewart (Jamie) Ward, Mary Stewart, Malcolm (Stephanie) McDonald, Sarah Jane McDonald, Jane Anne Stewart (Luke) Hutcheson, and Louise Stewart, and one great-grandchild, Elizabeth Ward.

Pollack, Sr.’s funeral service was held Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Church Street Methodist Church with Rev. Diane Everette officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing and a private service was also held for Pollack, Sr. with military honors rendered by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.