Charles, a lifelong resident of Murray County, graduated from Davis High School, Class of 1957. Following high school, he spent a brief time working in the oil field prior to working for the Crawford Telephone Company of Sulphur and later, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Davis, retiring in 1987.

Charles owned, trained, and raced horses for many years. He had a passion for horses and spent every moment he could working with them. He also farmed and ranched throughout most his life.

Charles was very much old school. His word was his bond, and a handshake sealed a deal. He truly was a man’s man. Charles believed right was right and wrong was wrong and was never afraid to speak his mind when needed. He could be rather hardheaded and a bit ornery at times. Charles enjoyed making his daily rounds to visit with his friends. He had a tendency to keep a check on all his family to make certain they were always where they were supposed to be. Should he find they were not, he instantly began calling to find out why.

Survivors include his wife, Lynda; daughter, Nicki Nowlin and husband Wendall of Davis; son, Jerry Charles and wife Shelia of Davis; brother, Jerry Odell Birch of Davis; two stepdaughters, Brooke Barker and husband John of Colleyville, TX and Lindsay Smith of Dallas; grandchildren, Tara Clopton and husband Chad, Jarrin Birch and wife Emily, Scott Nowlin and wife Katie, Randi Nowlin and Clint Grinstead, B.J. Nowlin, S.J. Barker, Gia Barker, Jaxon Barker and Zaya Price; great-grandchildren, Lainey Clopton, Ruby Birch, Camden Nowlin, Miles Nowlin, and Tryston Nowlin; nephew, Kevin Birch; niece, Kelly Birch; as well as numerous cousins.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Linda Birch.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the First Free Will Baptist Church, in Sulphur, with Pastor Dick Terry officiating. Interment followed at the Oaklawn Cemetery, in Sulphur.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to the First Free Will Hill Baptist Church.

Services are “entrusted to” HALE’S FUNERAL HOME, DAVIS. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.