Charles Edward Bales

Born in 1947, Charles was the youngest child of Raymond Dermont Bales and Nina Mildred Baggett Bales. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jerry Kay Bales Ludwick, and brother, Gene Raymond Bales.

Charles grew up in Azle, Texas, graduating from Azle High School in 1965 playing basketball and baseball all 4 years. After playing only one year of high school football he secured a scholarship to Texas Christian University (TCU) to play Football, and graduated with a degree in business in 1969.

Charles was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, achieving the rank of Grand Master Mason. He was an avid woodworker, a skill he learned from his father and passed down to his son. Charles built many beautiful pieces of furniture for his wife and family and was a skilled craftsman with a wide array of hobbies.

Charles loved his family, and took great pride in the achievements and successes of his children and his wife of 43 years, Dr. Mary McCarthy.

Charles also loved his community, and was recognized by the city as Grand Marshal for the town’s 4th of July parade. Charles often provided woodworking and upholstery services to local schools and athletic complexes in the Beavercreek area. He was President of the Western Ohio Woodworkers Association and devoted hundreds of hours working to improve youth sports programs at Henley Hall and Bales Arena, serving as a constant mentor and coach. He prided himself on teaching the fundamentals of basketball, and was said to have “a jump shot smoother than a Texas oil slick” though his favorite part of the game was blocking shots. He was loved by all who knew him.

Charles is survived by his wife, Dr. Mary McCarthy and their four children Dr. Alison (Will Crotty), Sarah Bales, JD Bales (Jan-Marie) and JR Bales (Jordan), his sister Shirley Woods, and was proud Grandad to Henry, Quinn, Sophia, Colston, Keira, and Vincent.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 with services at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432. The family will receive friends and family from 11 am until 1 pm, when the service begins.

Memorial contributions can be made to Bales Arena to continue to support local youth.