Charles, a founding member and co-owner of Mid-South Sports, Inc., is a native of Hope Mills, NC, and a graduate of Hope Mills High School. Charles was recruited by Campbell College (now Campbell University) to play baseball, where he earned his B.S. degree. He earned his M.Ed. from North Carolina State University and worked for 34 years for Fayetteville Technical Community College, where he retired as the Director of the Small Business Center. Upon retirement, Charles went to work for Methodist University in their Professional Golf Management Program, where he served as an Associate Director and Internship Director. Charles also serves on the Board of Trustees for Fayetteville Technical Community College. Charles and his wife Connie have a son, Dr. Tommy Koonce, daughter-in-law Robin, two granddaughters, and are members of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

On September 19, 2016, Charles was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine – the highest honor a citizen of North Carolina can receive. Charles was honored for his service to FTCC, Methodist University, and Mid-South Sports, and for all of the lives he has impacted.