Charles Ray Landry

Charles (Charlie) Ray Landry, 77, born on January 30, 1945, went peacefully to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Charlie was ready to be with his wife, Kaye, and his son, Jeff; he missed them so much and grieved for them daily. He prayed for the day that he would be able to reunite with them and be with his Lord Jesus Christ. He fought a long, tiring and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for over a year and a half. Most didn't know he was sick because he didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him. His body was worn down physically, and he didn’t have the fight to last another single day. Just like he dealt with all his experiences in life, Charlie managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. Charlie loved his family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers all the same. He adored his 10 grandchildren more than anything else in the world. They called him “Dancin.”

He also had 2 "adopted/ kidnapped" golden retriever fur babies, Brody and Cooper, that he borrowed from his daughter to keep him company while he was sick. They stayed right by his side and followed him everywhere he went. They loved him unconditionally. It was definitely mutual.

If you saw Charlie around town, he was always sporting his favorite black Catholic High hat and some type of CHS gear. He was Johnny on the spot when it was time to go watch his grandsons at a Catholic High sporting event, and even if he felt terrible, he pushed through it and never complained. He was a true fighter.

Charlie was born to parents Randolph and Pauline Landry in Kaplan, Louisiana. He graduated from Kaplan High School in 1963. There he played football, basketball and ran track. He also played baseball for American Legion. Charlie was quite the athlete. After graduation he went to McNeese College. Charlie was a member of the M club, he was also Secretary and Treasurer of the M club, and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Charlie was on the McNeese football team, and his position was defensive end. # 87. POW 87 was a nickname given to him by his close college roommate and teammate, RC Slocum. During the years 1963, 1965, and 1967, they were Gulf State Conference Champions. He was so very proud to tell all his old football stories to all his grandsons. His big claim to fame was when he played against Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach. The stories always got bigger and better every time he told them. Up until the last few days of his life when he was so ill , he still remained in contact with his best friends and McNeese football buddies, RC Slocum (POW 85) and David Poche ( Saco). They communicated daily to check on each other, pray for each other, and to keep each other upbeat and positive. They all had such a special bond that was formed so many decades ago.

Charlie got an undergraduate degree from McNeese in Education and a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision.

Charlie met the love of his life Linda Kaye Smith at McNeese and on August 12, 1967, they married.

After college, Charlie went to the Army in 1969 for 6 years of basic training then to advanced training in Fort Dicks, New Jersey. He was awarded outstanding soldier in the cycle.

Charlie also started working in the insurance business in 1969 for The Aetna. Ten years later he moved to Louisiana Companies for 20 years as Senior Vice President. In 2018, Charlie retired from Regions Bank as the Vice President of the commercial insurance division. He was always willing to teach someone something new about the business or lend a helping hand. Charlie was a true gentleman and the kind of person you just wanted to be around. He always had a story to tell and a smile on his face. It usually started off around the coffee pot and he would wander around from office to office just to check up on everyone to see how their day was going. He wanted to know about their spouses, their kids, their dogs, their parents…it was never about him. He was a humble man. Charlie was loved by all and was one of a kind. Charlie was raised to be a God fearing man and he loved Jesus. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. If you didn't get a chance to know him, you truly missed out on a wonderful man.

Charlie is survived by his 3 daughters, Leigh Anne Landry, Erin Landry Wright and Kreslyn Jill Pieterse (Jan); grandchildren, Emory and Britton Mayeaux, Cole, Chandler, Bradley and Brooks Wright and Olivia, Christiaan, Chloe, and Caroline Pieterse; brother, Warren Louis Landry (Barbara); nieces, Donna Landry Lavergne, Robin Landry McHugh (Bryan) and Cathy Landry Barry (Tim); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Charlie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Kaye Smith Landry; his precious son, Jeffrey Charles Landry; parents, Randolph and Pauline Landry; sister, Theresa Ann Maxwell (Max); in-laws, Glenn and Ruth Smith; brother-in-law, Kendall Scott Smith; sister-in-law, Glenda Smith Shows; brother-in-law, Robert Shows; niece, Anne Shows; and nephew, Patrick Smith.

A cremation will take place and there will not be a service at this time per Charlie’s wishes.

Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and gratefulness to all the staff at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for the love and support they gave Charlie during his battle with cancer, especially Dr. Daniel Lavie. He was Charlie's biggest supporter and #1 fan. A big thank you to Dr. Jeff Hyde for keeping his heart in tip top shape. We appreciate all the prayers from everyone that loved Charlie …please keep the prayers coming. This is a huge loss to our family. He was our Rock.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends can honor the memory of Charlie by contributing to the Charles Ray and Jeffrey Charles Landry Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be established at Catholic High School to support a family who has struggled through the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Donations can be made by going to the Catholic High School website by accessing this link https://www.catholichigh.org/giving/memorial-gifts or you can email JP Kelly at [email protected].

This is wonderful way to honor Charlie's generous spirit and allow his legacy to carry forward. He would be so proud to know his loved ones are supporting something that meant so much to him.

https://www.catholichigh.org/giving/memorial-gifts