Charles Ray Dewitt

A Viewing for Charles will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel, 7301 East Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.

Celebration of Life will occur Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Burial to follow at will occur at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery.

Charles was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Willie B. Dewitt and L.T. Ramsey on January 9, 1937. He grew up in the Fort Worth area historically known as Baptist Hill and ultimately graduated from I.M. Terrell High School in 1955. Charles proceeded to join the U.S Army in March, 1959 and served his country for three years. While serving at Fort Dix (and throughout his adult life) he was an avid basketball and baseball player. Although unable to pursue a professional baseball career due to injury, he continued his baseball play with the Fort Worth Warriors many years. Charles began his 37-year work career with Bell Helicopter Textron in 1962 as a contracted union worker wrapping helicopter parts and ultimately moving up to management level as one of only a handful of African-American supervisors in Logistics. He proudly retired in January, 2000.

On July 30, 1966, Charles wisely married Mary Johnson. They spent the next 57 years in highly spirited matrimony and raised six children. Also, during this time, he was actively involved in Masonic and Shriner organizations. He was one of the founding members of Rainbow Lodge No. 446 in Fort Worth and held numerous titles and positions in Medji Temple No. 45. He was most proud of also being a founding member of the Prince Hall Masons of Texas Robert E. Connor Youth Camp. The annual Youth Camp gave boys between ages 8-17 the opportunity one week every summer to participate in seminars, sports, swimming, and mentoring programs.

Charles is preceded in death by Willie B. Dewitt (mother), L.T. Ramsey (father), and Norma J. Johnson (sister).

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Mary; brothers Ronnie Ramsey and Lonnie Buggs, Jr. (Rosalinda), Malinda Buggs (sister), Charles Dewitt, Jr. (son), Cantrese Dewitt (daughter), Phylis Redmon (daughter), and Frances Sandlin (daughter). He is also a proud grandfather of six: D’ondria Maxwell (Joseph), Earnie Carter, Kellee Gibson (Steve), Loysetta Jimerson, Amanda Sandlin and Camron Stewart as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be the Honorable Members of Prince Hall Masons of Texas.

The family of Charles wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Texas Best Hospice and Vilma Fernandez (caregiver) for her time, effort, and care during his final months.