
He was born February 21, 1939 in Grapevine, Texas to Icie and Richard Venable. After his father passed in 1944, Charlie moved to Acorn with his family where his mother remarried Roy Terwilliger. At the age of 18, he entered the Navy and was stationed in Newfoundland and served on the USS Forrestal. He met Patsy Wright of Mena in June 1961 and they married August 30, 1963 and had two sons, Charles Russell “Rus” and Travis. Charlie worked at US Motors for 36 years and retired in 2001 as an inspector.
Charlie enjoyed fishing, reading, and learning about American history. He was known for his storytelling, sharp wit and sense of humor. He also enjoyed the beautiful natural surroundings of his home near Lake Wilhelmina.
He is survived by wife: Patsy Venable of Mena, Arkansas; son, Travis Venable of Little Rock, Arkansas; sisters, Hazel Gray and Helen Egger, Annie Faye Miner and husband Jimmie; brothers, JV Venable and wife Ruth Ann, and Gene Venable; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son Rus; brothers, Arthur, Junior, and Billy; and a sister, Eddie Ree.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mena with Brother Tom Frase officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Gilead Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Friday evening, April 17th from 5:00-7:00 p.m at Beasley Wood Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Miner, Gary Miner, Steve Miner, Chris Moody, Cory Thompson and Rodney Grenier.
Honorary pallbearers are Danny Miner, Ronnie Hawthorne, Matt Moody, Dillon Buchanan, and the Acorn Class of 1957.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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