Charles “Chip” Winston Bessellieu was born on November 28, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, to Charles and Argolder Bessellieu, who preceded him in death. Charles began his educational journey in Brooklyn and completed his schooling at Richmond Hill High School in New York, where he rose to fame as a track star—the fastest on his team. His athletic legacy lived on through his granddaughter, Shawna Adams-Bessellieu, who sought to attend his alma mater. There, she discovered that her grandfather still held the school’s top record, an unbeaten achievement even 30 years later. Charles married Mildred Bessellieu in May 1971. Together they had two beautiful children. Though they parted ways in 1979, they remained best friends until her passing. Later, he married the love of his life, Vivian Bessellieu, in Sinton, Texas, on June 7, 2000. Together, they raised their blended family of three sons—Charlie Powell, Willie Powell, and Blake Powell—and one daughter, Beckey Powell. Charles had a rich and varied career throughout his life. He worked in banking, played guitar for the legendary R&B group Kool and the Gang, served as an instructor at Target Driving School, drove a school bus, managed a Circle K convenience store, and worked as a correctional officer at Beeville Correctional Facility.

He leaves behind his loving daughter: Chalise M. Bessellieu; his son: Shawn Bessellieu Sr; wife Caprice; bonus children; Charlie Powell, Jared Powell, Willie Powell, and Beckey Powell.

Charles was a proud grandfather to Shawna Adams-Bessellieu, Shapria Hancock, Marisa Williams, Isaiah Williams, Jeremiah Williams, Shawn Bessellieu Jr., Shaniya Hancock-Bessellieu, and Shatiara M. Bessellieu - a cherished great-grandfather to Cameron Sean Jackson and a wonderful great-uncle to Jason Cox and Raymond Michael Bessellieu Jr. He also had a beloved godson, Tommy Bellinger Jr.

He is survived by his brothers Lyman J. Bessellieu (Tara), Steven Johnson Bessellieu, and Michael Drake (Ayanna), his beloved sisters Reverend Shirley Brockman, Wandra Brown, and Ramona Brown. He also leaves behind nieces Trina Burleson-Barwicks, Mona Burleson-Jones, Shaneaka Price-Long and Tawana Bessellieu, and nephews Lyman Bessellieu, Raymond Bessellieu, Victor Cox, Shamel Price, Shamell Bessellieu, and Charles Bessellieu (Cheri).

Charles’s lifelong friends Tommy Bellinger and David Means mourns his loss, along with countless other family members and friends, including Ron Simmons Linda Bessellieu, Carrietta Bessellieu and John. If anyone was missed it is because of my mind and not my heart.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Horace Burleson and Raymond Bessellieu, and his sister Odessa Cox.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.