Charles Edward Durant

Obituary

Sunrise July 2, 1949 to Sunset. September 26, 2025

Dr. Charles Edward Durant (“Chas”) was born July 2, 1949 to the late William J. Durant and Adeline Smalls Durant in Lynchburg, South Carolina. During that era, the Durant family realized that life in the South was stifled by Jim Crow laws and scarce opportunities, prompting them to seek new beginnings up North. Following other relatives, they migrated to Long Island, New York, and made 171 Alabama Avenue in Hempstead their home. Growing up in Hempstead was a blessing—it provided a strong foundation and lasting memories. Chas played knock hockey, kickball, red rover, hide-and-seek, rode bikes, and spent countless hours with the Alabama Avenue crew. As Chas’ classmate and Alabama neighbor, Dr. Kyron C. Tamar, MD (Dallas, TX) said, “We truly were a Village.”

After his journey from Marshall and Franklin Elementary Schools through Hempstead High School, “Chas” continued to build upon the educational foundation our parents had envisioned. The Durant family’s hopes for a better life for their children were exemplified through him. Chas was an exceptional student whose love of learning guided his path. He continued his academic pursuits, working diligently in his chosen field and ultimately earning his doctoral degree—a testament to his perseverance, intellect, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

• State University at Oswego, New York (Bachelors) graduated in 1971

• University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC (College of Education/Assistant to Associate Dean & Master’s of Education 1977-79 & Doctor of Education, May 1985

Chas had a network of friends from his early days in Hempstead, LI, NY, Oswego: University of Delaware; Colorado College, Colorado Springs; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Indiana State University. Terre Haut; Savannah State University, Savannah; University of TN- Knoxville.

Chas also partnered with his sister, Rosemary as a Realtor where we worked with Buyers, Seller and Investors. Chas decided it was time to enjoy the fruits of his labor around 2021 and Retired.

Chas enjoyed his travels to Iceland, Hawaii, Alaska and more. He also collected native American artwork/ memorabilia and he traced the Durant and Smalls heritage. Remember history was his forte and he traced our roots back to Senator Elliison DuRant, Mary McLeod Bethune, Robert Smalls, and more.

Charles has a special tribute for cousin Hermene Hampton who became his house mate for 7+ years until she returned to VA to rejoin her mom (Dorothy Hampton), sister Wanda Fields and niece Dr. Whitney Fields. Other tributes are his long-time friend /barber/ confident, Gary Gamble (Gam’s Barber Shop) and the neighbors in Seven Springs S/D to include Ralph & Donna Graves, 

Left to cherish Chas’ memory are his sister, Rosemary Durant; nephew Fredrick D. Giles (Trellani); and great-nephews Christian and Princeton, all of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves behind countless cousins, including the families of Bobby William, Mariah Lowery, Betty (Daniel), and Marian Williams, all now residing in the Florence, SC area; Delores Ceasar (Ron) of the Bronx, NY; James Durant (Cheryl) of Port Jefferson, NY; the Robert Smalls family of Jonesboro, GA; Aunt Flora’s children and Jenise Atkins, all of Baltimore, MD; and so many more Durants and Smalls relatives living throughout Washington, D.C., Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.

Chas is preceded in death by his brother Walter James Durant (Sue Anne), father William James Durant, mother Adeline Smalls Durant, and a host of beloved friends from Hempstead and beyond—both nationally and internationally.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Foothills Funeral Home, 910 E. Lincoln Road, Maryville, Tennessee, under the auspices of Robert Davis, a former neighbor from Chas’s time in Knoxville. A Memorial Service will also be held in late 2025, most likely in Lynchburg, South Carolina, where the Durant family’s roots began.

God rest his soul—our family has truly come full circle.

Memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Foothills Funeral Home, Maryville.