Charles Ronald McCaulty was born in Oklahoma City on February 12, 1948 to Joseph Lathern McCauley and Ruby Mae Hopkins McCauley. He attended Oklahoma City Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1966. He than attended Central State College, until he was 18 and than he enlisted into the Marines. Serving three years and two terms of duty in Vietnam before enlisting in the Army to return for three more years and one more tour in Vietnam. Charles received the Purple Heart Award from both the Marines and the Army. September 28, 1973 Ronnie married Patricia Ann Leach and her daughter Bekki Leach. From their union, two children were born, Regan LaShelle Charlton and Charles Ronald, II (lil' Ronnie).