Of Charles Abraham — “Mr. Charles” to most who knew him — it was said he lived the American dream. But there’s something more important to be noted about the longtime Vicksburg merchant who died last week: He shared the American dream.

Mr. Abraham, who, with his wife, Jeanette, operated Charles’ Department Store on Washington Street from 1953 until 2002, was known to governors and yard men. He met each person the same, with a smile. He was more than willing to extend trust and friendship as long as trust and friendship were returned, no matter a person’s station in life — or anything else.

His sister, Frances, told us that was a product of his youth. They were children of immigrants, Haseeb and Maggie Abraham, faithful Christians who believed in hard work and honest dealing as the secrets of success for anyone.

The point was affirmed by James Stirgus Sr., a friend of more than 50 years. “Charles was always that go-between, always trying to keep Vicksburg together, keep the people and community together,” said Stirgus, director of the Vicksburg Housing Authority, which Mr. Abraham served as board chairman for 22 years. “He was always a builder, always had compassion.”

He wanted people to do well, to have good housing and a sense of accomplishment. But he also knew the more people did for themselves, the more likely they would come to know the true meaning of the freedom and independence his parents had come to know and he had learned to cherish.

Mr. Abraham went to Millsaps College, was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict and then returned to earn a business administration degree from Ole Miss, the school he cheered on season after season. He served on the board of directors of First National Bank, now Trustmark, and as president of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a faithful communicant of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, serving as parish council president time and again. And, friends said, he loved to laugh and to hear good news about his legion of friends.

“He was the backbone of our whole family,” said his daughter, Suzanne Hull. “He was a loving and wonderful father.”

That’s a tremendous legacy.

A Vicksburg native, born here in 1929, Charles Abraham lived the American dream right here. And he shared it every day of his 79 years. We’re all better off because he did.