Charles Ray Etheridge

1931 ∼ 2013

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Charles Ray Etheridge, 81, of Beaumont passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013 with his family by his side.

Charles "Dee" Etheridge was born in Beaumont, TX on August 24, 1931. He was the youngest of 3 sons born to Leon Bernard and Sweet Corinne Etheridge.

Charles was married to his beloved wife, Linnie, for 61 years. They have 3 children. He retired in 1991 with 37 years of dedicated service as a teacher and principal in BISD.

Charles is survived by his wife, Linnie, his son Mark Etheridge and wife Linda of Leander; his daughter Karen Carr and husband Gregory Carr of Arlington; his daughter Lori Strachn and husband Jay Strachn of Bay City; and brother Jack Etheridge of Bridge City.

This loving grandfather is also survived by his precious grandchildren Angela Schrieber and husband Stuart Schrieber, Christopher Etheridge, Andre Etheridge, Cody Carr, Colin Carr and Madison Strachn.

In the later years of his life Charles was blessed with 3 great-grandchildren, Beau Schrieber, Matteo Etheridge and Olivia Rose Schrieber due shortly.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents Leon and Corinne Etheridge, and his brother Don Etheridge.

Charles was a devoted man of God. He made enormous contributions through his Christian leadership, family devotion, and service to his community. He enjoyed gardening, traveling and camping and playing dominoes. His greatest joy was his grandchildren whose lives were enriched by his legacy of faith and love.

Charles was a loving son, husband, father, brother, friend and mentor. He is remembered lovingly by a host of former students, teachers whom he mentored and close friends who share in the fact that their lives were all wonderfully touched by such a great man.

Visitation is at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Woodland Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Woodland Baptist Church, 1860 W. Lucas, Beaumont 77706.

Condolences

Anonymous May 24, 2013

Karen, Greg & family, Prayers are with all of you, Love you dearly!!##imported-begin##Cathy Adams Galloway##imported-end##

Anonymous May 22, 2013

Mr. Etheridge was such a great principal for parents to work with at Eugene Field Elementary. He made a huge difference in the lives of many.##imported-begin##Donnella Looger##imported-end##

Anonymous May 22, 2013

Dearest Mrs. Etheridge....It was with great sorrow that I heard of Mr. Etheridge's passing this week. It is a great loss for all who knew him! But it is a great blessing knowing that he is with our Savior and King! Mom and Dad loved you both so much! ##imported-begin##Miriam Vogel Hodges##imported-end##

Anonymous May 22, 2013

LINNIE,AND FAMILY,GERI AND I ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DEE PASSING BUT WE FEEL SO SURE THAT HE IS WHERE HE ALWAYS KNEW HE WAS GOING THAT WE ARE AT PEACE WITH OUR THOUGHTS OF HIM,WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE LOVE YOU AND DEE FOREVER GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR F##imported-begin##George A Chute##imported-end##

Anonymous May 22, 2013

We love you and are so very sorry for your loss. He always had some of the best tomatoe plants I have ever seen.##imported-begin##Dennis Carr##imported-end##

Anonymous May 22, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of working with Charles in BISD. I was the Director of Special Education and Charles was always open to suggestions and willing to give help to our youngst##imported-begin##Patty Edwardsen##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Sending our condolences for your family loss. Mr. Charles was a very kind and gracious man. We enjoyed him as a client and he will be greatly missed by all of us.##imported-begin##Mary Flannigan##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

I wish to send all my sympathy to Mr. Etheridge family. When he and Mrs. Etheridge walked in the door at the office of Quality Care Services, I remembered him as my teacher when I was in French Elementary. He and Mr. Wilbanks were my favorite teachers. ##imported-begin##Janie Landrum##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

We are so saddened to hear of Dee's passing, and praying for the comfort that only God can give. We remember Dee as one of those rare people who you instantly like when you meet him. He was a great man of faith and character, and we remember fondly our ##imported-begin##Ron & Carolyn Asbury##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ethridge family. Without a doubt, Mr. Ethridge touched many, many lives in his lifetime. There is no greater legacy.##imported-begin##Vickie Hendrickson##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Dear Linnie and Family, it is with deep sorrow that I learned about Dee's passing. I have known you and Dee so long it is almost like losing a member of my family. You have my deep sympathy and continued prayers. Lynnette##imported-begin##Lynnette Revia Brice##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

My prayers are with you. What a blessing your loved one made in so many people's lives. May God's love bring peace and serenity to your heart.##imported-begin##Cindy Duncan##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Linnie, Lori, Karen, Mark and family, I'm so very saddened to hear about Dee's passing! He was always like a second dad to me because I was at your house as much if not more than I was at my own house while in high school! The memories I have with him ##imported-begin##Rhonda Asbury Klutts##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Dear Etheridge Family, We feel very blessed to have known and cared for Mr. Etheridge. We enjoyed getting to know you all, and listening to your sweet memories. Y'all are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All. Love, Wendy McElroy, RN Buckner ##imported-begin##Wendy McElroy, RN Buckner Hospice##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Happy you came our way,Dee.GOD BLESS YOU,Linnie.I know it is a great loss.##imported-begin##Robert McCullough##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Miss Linnie, I am so sorry I will miss the service..You and Dee Daddy have always been so special to me. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this time.##imported-begin##Debbie Ricks##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

We are thinking of you, and pray that God's healing grace will bring you strength and peace. Sincerely, Les & Sara##imported-begin##Sara & Les Wenk##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Scott and I send our deepest sympathies to your family. We pray that God blesses you with peace and comfort in the coming days.##imported-begin##Scott and Jackie Gorman##imported-end##

Anonymous May 21, 2013

Lori, Mrs. Etheridge and family, Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. May God surround you with his love and wrap you in his arms of Grace. We Love You and Pray for your comfort in knowing that your Dad has been welcomed into He##imported-begin##John and Wendy Hoffman##imported-end##