Charles “Bogie” Stockstill is described as a man of integrity and perseverance. He had a passion for serving his city and county. On Nov. 24, Stockstill passed away.
Stockstill started his 30-plus year career in law enforcement at the Picayune Police Department in the mid-1970s. After 10 years, Stockstill went to work for the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and became Chief Deputy in 1985, Joe Stuart, former Pearl River County Sheriff, said. Then, Stockstill became Seal Operations Commander from 2000 until he retired in 2007 to dedicate more time as Pearl River County’s District 4 Constable.
Those that knew Stockstill would agree he was a great law enforcement officer, but an even better person.
“He would do anything to make sure his family was taken care of,” Mark Stockstill, Charles Stockstill’s son, said. “He always took us camping and on vacations to the mountains every year. That was his place.”
Mark Stockstill said what he will remember most about his father was his heart, his demand for excellence out of everybody and his love for his community.
Charles Stockstill’s children—Mark, Donna Lee, Deanna Wagner and Bridget Fleming—would like to thank the Lord and their father for making them the people they are today.
Along with being a great father, Charles Stockstill was a mentor to many officers, past and present, setting the tone for the local law enforcement officers on the force today, Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison said.
“He was a great law enforcement officer and even a better person,” Allison said. “He went straight by the book and had a dedication that rubbed off on many officers, which shines through the department today.”
When Allison joined the Picayune Police Department reserve division in 1979, he said Charles Stockstill let him ride along during night patrols, teaching him life lessons and giving career advice that spoke volumes about his character.
One day, while Allison was preparing to run for sheriff, he called Charles Stockstill to see if he could talk with him about the department. The next day, Charles Stockstill called back to say he was on vacation with his family in Tennessee but asked if they could meet when he returned. Later that day, Allison received another call from Charles Stockstill saying he was putting the vacation on hold and heading to Picayune to meet with Allison.
“He always felt that he was needed and he was never going to let anyone down. His dedication to protect this city and county is something you can’t replace. He loved what he did and the fact that he told his family he had to come help me during a vacation meant a lot to me. It just shows how loyal and devoted he was to helping others,” Allison said.
Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby also worked with Charles Stockstill, and described him as “a father figure to everyone under him.”
During Hurricane Katrina, Raby said he and another officer were driving to check on their houses in Poplarville when their truck broke down. While trying to fix the truck, Raby said strong winds blew down nearby trees and the weather was picking up dramatically. At that time, Charles Stockstill came to help.
“He risked his life to make sure we were safe. He didn’t have to come and do that, but he did. No matter how bad it got, he was not leaving until he got all of us. He never left anyone behind. His unselfishness is something you don’t encounter every day and because of that, he will be greatly missed by everyone,” Raby said.
Stuart said that Charles Stockstill worked countless hours during Hurricane Katrina, ensuring everyone was safe and helping those in need.
“He was always there for us. If he was ever needed, he was there,” Stuart said.
Raby said he considered Charles Stockstill as “a giant”, a man greatly respected with a firm quality about him that was professional, yet personable.
“He talked about his kids all the time. He loved his family very much. He was a tough guy, but what most people don’t know about him is that he was tenderhearted as well,” Raby said.
Family was important to Charles Stockstill and everyone he befriended became part of that family.
Jim Luke, city manager of Picayune and former Picayune police chief, began his career at Charles Stockstill’s side as patrol officers. Luke said that was a great experience.
“He was such a good officer. Whenever you were with him you felt protected because you knew he always had your back. Bogie was a great person and had the respect of everyone,” Luke said.
Services for Charles L. “Bogie” Stockstill’s will be held Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at New Palestine Baptist Church.