Paulk played basketball for Lester High School in Memphis, Tennessee.

He sat out the 1969–70 season due to military service, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam.

[1] In 1970, the Bucks traded him along with Flynn Robinson to the Cincinnati Royals for Oscar Robertson.

[2] The following year, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Matt Guokas and a future draft pick.

The foundation now known as Ground-Up is run by Shaun Manning, Jacqueline's son and Charles' stepson.