Charles Fredrick Roark, age 93, of Malvern, died Friday, August 19, 2011, at his home. He was born in Malvern on July 29, 1918 to the late Fred S. Roark and Hattie Johnson Roark. Reared and educated in Malvern, he was a member of First Baptist Church , where he attended the Barnes Sunday School Class. Charles was also a 32nd degree Mason, a 50 year member of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, F & AM, and was a former Lions Club member.

Charles got into show business at an early age, honing his skills as a magician and ventriloquist. He joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1938, performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City , and stayed with them for ten seasons. He subsequently worked for 16 different circuses throughout his career, traveling from coast to coast. Charles had the distinction of being the first ventriloquist to appear on television in its infancy, a "new" medium at the time. He was later associated with the "International Cavalcade of Stars" troupe. In honor of his dedication, The Harold Ronk and Charlie Roark Tent #128 of The Circus Fans Association of America, was named for him. After his retirement, he came home to Malvern in 1980, and occasionally performed at local civic clubs, schools, and children's birthday parties.

He is survived by his sister, Helen Roark of Malvern, several cousins, and many friends.

His funeral will be at two o'clock Monday afternoon, August 22nd, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Tyler Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Ridge Cemetery .

Pallbearers will be George Green, Norman Riggan, and Sam Kilgroe.

Honorary pallbearers are members of Charles' Sunday School class.

A visitation will precede the funeral, beginning at one o'clock.

Memorials are requested to First Baptist Church or to Ouachita Baptist University in Charles' name.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.