Ezzard Charles or "Dreadman" Mccall, 65, of Salinas, California passed Saturday, August 01, 2020. Charles was born to Charlie Mccall, and Mae Ollie Mccall, December 21, 1954 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
When Charles came to Salinas, he went to Washington Junior High and graduated North Salinas High in 1974 while on the football, boxing, and wrestling teams. Charles competed in racquetball at Hartnell College after a tour in Vietnam.
Corporal Mccall served his country as a Reconnaissance Marine serving in Korea, Okinawa and Vietnam. He received several medals, honors, badges & promotions throughout his 3 year career.
He created Dreadman productions while promoting & creating venues, festivals, & platforms county wide. His influence from Reggae & Rastafari showed through with his actions pushing people towards peace & love and understanding of the misunderstood.
In his later years, Dread became a photographer for the Voices of the Street newspaper and John Doe13k Productions.
Dread was a constant presence behind the camera, a Friend and Mentor for many, and a Militant Community Leader. Dread photographed countless community events and civic engagements at all levels of government (and the people in them), looking to put things in the order of understanding.
He is survived by his sisters Bessie Taylor & Leoner McCall, & only living brother James Wade. Nieces - Tanesha Woodward, Maelynn Phillips, La'Tanya Taylor and La'Toya Taylor. Nephews - De'Vonte Taylor and Antwon McCall. Great nephews - DeSean Malachi, Robert Daniels, Jekiah Price, Montae Price, Hayate Eskeli, Marcus Taylor. Great nieces - Nyara Eskeli, Kyelis Eskeli, I'yannah Jelks, Marciana Jelks, Tatiana Taylor and numerous Great Great nieces and nephews.
He was loved and admired by his peers and community. He defended, uplifted & demanded rights for the underprivileged & unnoticed. He has a determination unmatched by anyone I know. He was and will always be the epitome of someone who shows selfless love. It's a tragic loss but as long as we continue his work & honor his name, DREADMAN will forever live on!
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