Charles Ray Atkinson, 90 of Willis passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024. He was born on March 13, 1934 in Lovelady, Texas to Benjamin and Beulah Atkinson. Charles Ray grew up in Trinity Texas, had a brief stay in Houston before he was drafted in the army in 1952. He served two years stateside during the end of the Korean war. He met his wife Clarkie before he took off for the military and was soon engaged. Charles Ray and Clarkie were married December 30, 1954. However she didn't join him until she finished high school in June 1955. They lived in Long Beach, California where he was stationed and his job was to send up weather balloons for the armies defensive guns.
After the army, they moved back to Houston, settled in the east end and had a son Michael in 1956 and a daughter, Teri in 1957. Charles Ray worked at Goodyear Chemical Plant from 1957 to retirement in 1996 as an operator. Once he and Clarkie were both retired they built a house on Lake Conroe and moved there in 1997 where he resided until his last days.
Charles Ray had a full life with his family of four camping, water skiing, riding dirt bikes and traveling the nearby states. Then along came his only granddaughter, Denalei that they took all over the United States in their motorhome. They were great trip planners and put forth a lot of energy to having a good time.
Charles Ray enjoyed riding motorcycles until he was about 80 years old. He owned a fleet of antiques cars, all pristine and he enjoyed car shows. His love of cars began when he was 5 years old and he saw his first car... a car that would occasionally show up at the farm to deliver their mail. His last ride was with his 16 year old great grandson, Jacob in his new car. He was a great son-in-law to Clarkie's mother Faye Taylor as well.
He will be missed by all and rejoicing with his brothers and parents. We are glad he is at peace and ready to live to eternity in Heaven.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Clarkie Atkinson, his son Michael Atkinson, daughter Teri Walline, grand daughter, Denalei Ross, and great grandson, Jacob Moore as well as one brother-in-law, Edward Taylor and one sister-in-law, Lois Atkinson plus nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Ben and Beulah Atkinson, brothers and their wives Cleon, Leroy, Ira, and Oneal, in-laws Faye Taylor, Edella Weathers, Bruce Taylor, and Patricia McKinley.
Charles Ray's family will welcome visitors to Cashner Funeral Home on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Cashner Funeral Home. Graveside services will occur in Clapp Cemetery outside Lovelady, Texas at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Anyone wishing to participate, the family suggests donations for Samaritans Purse in lieu of flowers.
