James Charles Kendrick

He was born on March 15th, 1948, in Grundy, Virginia to parents John and Kelsie Kendrick.

Charles was raised in Pike County, Kentucky. This is far eastern Kentucky, situated on the border of West Virginia and Virginia. He grew up just miles away from both states. He spent his childhood days in the elbow area of Kentucky. At the time, it was one of if not the absolute poorest area of the United States.

Pike County, KY was in the heart of Appalachia where you made your living working in the coal mines, making, and selling moonshine, partaking in other criminal ventures, or surviving on welfare the best way you could.

Things became even tougher when Charles lost his father John around the age of 9 or 10. His father’s coal mining paycheck was the family’s only source of income.

The only other option was to leave Kentucky. He left for Texas to find work while he was still just a teenager.

He was a country boy and brought that with him to Texas. He left his childhood home and moved to Texas in search of a better life.

He loved gardening, cars, fishing, woodworking, children, and animals. But more than that, he loved people of all colors, shapes, and sizes. He especially loved his family and Jesus Christ!

Though the life he found was a better one he remained humble throughout his life. He never boasted and rarely bragged.

If he ever did brag, it was only on his family and never himself.

He worked for more than 20 years at SW Wire in Carrollton, Texas. He was a jack of all trades. He was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. He could operate all types of machinery and took considerable pride in making sure the product shipped out right and on time.

He worked from 4:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, and he worked most Saturdays as well.

He was known as Charles to all his friends, family, and loved ones.

He went by his middle name all his life. He was affectionately referred to as Charlie.

Charles met Betty, his wife of 56 years, in the late 1960's. Shortly after, on March 6th, 1970, he married her.

The love they shared never wavered, no separations, or real problems within their 56 years of marriage. They were always together supporting and loving one another.

Betty was the only woman for Charles, and he spent his lifetime proving it to her and everyone else they knew.

They were a fitting example of what a lifetime of marriage could and should look like.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents John and Kelsie, brothers Glen, Paul, Robert, Kenneth, Phillip, Argyle, and sisters Joyce, Sara, and Gale, as well as grandparents, and to many cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, friends, in laws and neighbors, to name.

Charles leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years Betty, three sons John, Rick, James, and his daughter Shelia. He also leaves behind grandchildren John, Amanda, Amber, Elizabeth, Daniel, Justin, Katie, Preston, Megan, and Ashley. He also leaves behind five great grandchildren, John, Wyatt, Layla, Lila, and Nova Lee. He is survived by many cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, friends, and other loved ones.

Charles ran a good race. He ran his race with care, love, kindness, and integrity. He is now spending eternity in heaven with all his departed loved ones and God willing the rest of his loved ones will join him in God's promised paradise to eternally live by his side again.

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