Charles L. Duval

Charles Lattimore Duval, age 87 years old of Manhattan, NY, retired to Indianapolis, IN on November 1, 2022, and died on February 10th, 2023, peacefully at home with his wife Zelda by his side. Charles was born on July 26, 1935, in Harlem hospital (Manhattan NY). His mother Lorraine brought into the world two sons – Charles and his brother Bob. In 1943 his mother moved the family to Henderson, NC where Charles attended Eden and Johnson public school. In 1949, Charles attended Henderson High School and graduated in 1953. After receiving his diploma, Charles enrolled into Virginia State college – School of Dramatics (Petersburg, VA). Instead of attending the college, Charles chose to leave the South and go northeast where he was born, Manhattan NY.

In 1954, Charles began his career in data processing at IBM, as a system programmer where he quickly moved up the ranks to a project manager. After IBM, Charles held several positions as MIS director for several major corporations. In 1980, Charles founded data industries, where he organized a computer consulting company to develop skills in marketing and data processing. The organization’s growth sales grew from zero in 1981 to over $6 million in 1993.

Charles believed in giving back. In 1998, Charles particularly enjoyed giving $75,000 worth of computers to Wadleigh High School located on 114^th Street in Manhattan, NY. Charles said “I have always wanted to give back to my community and these computers will certainly help these children prepare for their future. I believe that businesses should partner with the public schools to help educate our children.” As a leader Charles received many awards of achievement for his contribution to business and society. He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Businessman of the Year, Minority Business Enterprises Award of Excellence, and US Congregational Black Caucus, and the Spouses Unsung Hero Award just to name a few.

Charles was an avid golfer; a long-time and senior life member of the Mid Island Golf Club, Inc (Jamaica, NY). He made two hole-in-one’s in his lifetime which was two of his many highlights that included receiving an enormous number of trophies from various tournaments and competitions. Charles enjoyed meeting people and forming relationships. In many ways, he was drawn to golf because of the never-ending challenge during a round of golf, shots would always get away. Despite that, he would continue to keep chasing the dragon, hoping that one day he’ll have a miracle round where absolutely everything goes right (which is why he would always say, “Let my epitaph read: ‘I never stopped trying’”). This challenge he set for himself is what kept him coming back to the course and challenge of lifetime and time again.

Charles’ final resting place is in the family estate mausoleum at Washington Park East Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Damien “Bob” Roberts.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 23 years, Zelda Rae Duval; sons, Hassan Abdullah Muhammad of Virginia and Abdul Latif Muhammad of Maryland; sixteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Winona Gajadhar; sister-in-law, Rosa Roberts; a niece, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Mid Island Golf Club, P.O. box 340956, Jamaica, NY, 11434