Charlie Benavides Jr

Charlie was born on January 10, 1940 to Charlie Benavides Sr. and Susanna Leos Benavides in Dallas, Texas. Charlie became interested in music at an early age and learned an assortment of instruments - specializing in the trumpet, bass, and piano. For the next 70 years, music was an integral part of his life.

In 1959, Charlie met Sofia Gamez at a dance where Charlie and his band were playing. Charlie and Sofia were eventually married in 1961 and together raised a blended family, made up of eldest siblings, Rosa and Dino, as well as their four daughters Carolyn, Angela, Suzanne and Virginia.

Through most of his adult life, Charlie liked to work with his hands and loved to build things. His specialty was carpentry and cabinet making.

While he enjoyed carpentry, Charlie’s passion was music. Throughout his life he was a member of numerous bands: styles included mariachi, jazz, salsa, big band and worship at his church. He was part of the David Romo Trio Mariachi band & Ernesto Alonzo Mariachi Group where they performed all over the DFW Metroplex. Charlie also played with the Sonora International Band led by Freddy Cisneros Sr, where they traveled in Texas as well as in Mexico. He also played for numerous celebrities including Roger Staubach, Burt Reynolds, Jerry Jones and others. His mariachi band was featured in a scene in the 1970’s movie “Semi-Tough.” Charlie was generous with his gift of music and often played “Taps” at funerals for veterans.

Charlie was predeceased by his mother and father, Susanna and Charlie Sr., and siblings Mary, Martha, Jessie, Joe, Louis, Paul and Richard. He is survived by his remaining sisters Carmen, Eva and Stella.

Charlie is survived by his wife Sofia and his children; Rosa Ramirez and her husband Domingo; Dino Gamez; Carolyn Castillo and her husband Richard; Angela Griffin and her husband Warren; Suzanne Benavides Sutherland; Virginia Crosby and her husband Shane Sr. Charlie is also survived by his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as dearly loved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Golden Acres Living and Rehabilitation for all of their help in caring for Charlie over the last year and a half, and Hospice Select for their care during his last week.

Visitation will be held at Calvary Hill Chapel on Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 pm with the rosary at 6:30 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Calvary Hill North Chapel in Dallas.