by Seniors

Goodyear Store. From there he moved into the oil business. From roustabout, roughneck, to sales; Choc knew the oil business from the ground up. During this time Billie expressed interest in starting a business. Choc bought an old motel on May Avenue and Billie began selling used furniture and other items. She was very successful and soon moved to selling only antique furniture.

After years of selling oilfield equipment, Choc went home one day and told Billie he didn’t want to be in the oil business and was considering other opportunities. Billie supported his decision. Choc quit, knowing he needed a change he joined Billie in her business. He began finding antique furniture for Billie to sell; traveling to the east coast and the northern states. He brought truckloads of antique furniture for the store. Billie sold out within weeks of receiving a truckload of antique furniture. Choc bought box trucks to handle the quantity of furniture he was buying. They went to auctions and held auctions. This “store” became Antique Alley. The evolution of a used furniture store to Antique Alley to Choctaw Trading Post and Choctaw Trading Post Café was amazing.

Billie had begun making jewelry and wanted to focus on that endeavor. Choc said it only made sense as he could spend the same amount of money and carry the inventory in box trucks or one briefcase The briefcase won; the business focus became jewelry. Billie made necklaces and bracelets; Choc made the earrings. Together, whether in business or in their personal lives, they were (and are) in sync.

Choc bought most of the block from NW 14th to NW 15th Street on North Portland Avenue in Oklahoma City. When they decided to close the café in the late 1980s, Choc called the Chief of the Cheyenne Tribe and asked if she wanted the restaurant equipment. She said yes but sadly couldn’t afford it. Choc said all you need is “a truck, trailer and three Bucks” and it’s all yours. The Cheyenne Head Start program became the beneficiary of all the commercial kitchen equipment, supplies and café furnishings.

Choc and Billie retired in 1989; sold their home and traveled the world for five years. They took turns selecting the destinations. Choc was constantly seeking out tribes and meeting chiefs. He is a loving caregiver to Billie who needs his help after having a stroke in 2022 and losing much of her eyesight. Every morning he selects her dress, shoes and jewelry; preparing her for the day. And, by the way, he has excellent taste.

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This story is a brief look at the life of a man who put his heritage and service to his country and to others first. Choc was a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism; his pictures graced many OK publications. He has welcomed dignitaries from around the world to Oklahoma. The names of celebrities and politicians who counted Choc as a friend would fill pages. Just to name drop a few: President Carter, Cary Grant, Dale Robertson, Mickey Rooney, Lauren Bacall, Rita Hayworth; many Oklahoma political figures, including Alfalfa Bill Murray, George Nigh, Henry Bellmon, Brad Henry, Mary Fallon, and David Boren. Choc was friends with Quanah Parker’s grandson and Geronimo’s cousin, Jason Betzinet.

The Choctaws were the first tribe to arrive in Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears in

1831 Choc’s father and grandfather were Presbyterian ministers. His grandfather made a dugout in a dry creek bed in 1890 to shelter his family. Stephens County Historical Museum in Duncan has a display of World Wars II and Native American memorabilia donated by Choc. Items on display include four issues of the Stars & Stripes Newspaper; a Choctaw wedding vase; beaded moccasins, belt, and cane; and, a replica of the tank driven by Choc.

He is a walking, true, history book and a great storyteller. He has lived his life by: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Choc Charleston is a gracious, kind, respectful, loving man. He greeted everyone with a smile and a firm handshake. This is his legacy for his family, his Tribe, his State, his Country – what more could one ask but to be known for making this world a better place?