Leeds Parish Church was packed with around a thousand mourners at a funeral service for the Welsh international, who became a footballing legend with Leeds United and Juventus.
Stars from the great Leeds team of the 1970s, including Peter Lorimer, Norman Hunter, Allan Clarke and Paul Reaney, were among the pall-bearers.
Among the speakers was ex-Liverpool and Wales forward John Toshack, who read a self-penned poem. Alan Smith and Mark Viduka represented the current Leeds team, while John Lukic and Gordon Strachan were there from the title-winning team of 1992.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Wales manager Mark Hughes and former Republic of Ireland boss Jack Charlton were also in attendance.
The service was followed by a special tribute at Elland Road, attended by Leeds manager Eddie Gray, club officials, players and other dignitaries and the East Stand was opened so the public could pay their respects.
Gray said: "It is a tremendous gesture to the memory of big John, who was a wonderful man and a great footballer."
Charles died just over a week ago, aged 72, and tributes have flowed in from many parts of Britain and Italy.
Before Sunday's game against Liverpool it was announced that the West Stand is to be known as the John Charles Stand in honour of the 'Gentle Giant'.