Dr. Charles Ray Poor

Charles faithfully served the Lord since his teen years. He was born the son of Dorothy Ragan Poor and Orville Charles Poor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on the 19th of November 1935. Charles is survived by his wife, Joanna of Houston; son, Dr. Philip and Yelena Poor of Sacramento, California; and brother, Larry and Cindy Poor. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

Charles had polio as a young lad in the 1940’s however his life was marked by achievements and a life full of joy and service. He resided in Oklahoma City until his college years. He attended Oklahoma University, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Baptist University and Baylor University. Those happy and productive years were training him to become a psychologist in professional counseling. He held positions in Kansas City, Missouri and later in Houston, Texas in the 90’s. Charles had the title of ‘Doctorate of Humanities’ conferred upon him by his alma mater, Oklahoma Baptist University.

Charles met his wife Joanna in Houston at TIRR where she was working as a Registered Nurse. They have been married 59 years. During these years, Charles and Joanna have been members of Houston’s First Baptist Church. In 1980, Charles joined the staff of Houston’s First as Director of Counseling Services and remained in that position until 1998 when he retired. He continued to serve as Staff Liaison to the Deacons and Coordinator of Licensing and Ordination. In honor of his retirement, the Counseling Center was renamed the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center. Julianna was their beloved daughter who died.

Charles also faithfully served in various positions while at the church as a Sunday School Teacher and Chairman of the Deacons. For over 60 years, Charles was a consultant to the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals as a Vocational Expert. That tenure provided hm with a terrific team of people. He valued them as treasured friends and co-laborers.

Abundant thanks to The Forum at Memorial Woods Staff and the We Care Hospice Team. Charles’ life was better because of you.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived is to be conducted at half-past ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 7th of September, at Houston’s First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway, where Senior Pastor Gregg Matte will officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances during a reception in the church narthex.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to Oklahoma Baptist University, 500 West University, Shawnee, OK, 74804, given to the Julianna Poor Early Childhood Education Scholarship or the Philip W. Poor Medical Education Scholarship.

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