Charles was born on January 22, 1932, in Huntington, Texas, to Jewel (Baygent) Lewis and Ira Dee Lewis. He lived a life defined by hard work, service, faith, generosity, and unwavering integrity.
Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 10½ years. Following his military service, he and his beloved wife of 75 years, Clara Faye, made their home in Tucson, Arizona, where they lived for 30 years before returning to the East Texas roots they loved.
A true craftsman, Charles was an electrician, carpenter, and the kind of man everyone called when something needed fixing. He was a genuine "Mr. Fix-It," capable of building or repairing just about anything. After returning to East Texas, he fulfilled one of his greatest labors of love by building his wife's dream home from the ground up. He also built a home for his son, leaving behind a lasting legacy not only in the structures he created but in the love and care with which they were built.
Charles believed in an honest day's work and was known for his incredible work ethic, outworking people decades younger well into his 80s. He was a man of his word who valued honesty above all else. He had little patience for dishonesty but endless kindness for those around him. He never met a stranger, loved his neighbors, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He found great joy in gardening, especially sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and neighbors. Whether it was fresh peas or pears from his garden, Charles delighted in giving to others. He also loved spending time fishing and making memories outdoors with those he loved most.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel (Baygent) Lewis and Ira Dee Lewis; his brothers, Darwin Lewis and James Lewis; his sisters, Marcelene Williams and Imogene Eager; and his daughter-in-law, Lauren Lewis.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife of many years, Clara Faye Lewis; his sons, Charles "Chuck" Lewis and David Lewis and wife Teri; his daughter, Charlotte Davis and husband Lud; his grandchildren, Shauna Lewis, Tiffany Hernandez and husband Frank, Carrie Shanks, Nicole Lewis, Chelsea Lewis and her fiance Kaleb Tarpley, Landon Davis, and Cameron Davis and partner Daniel Perez; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Rena Modisette; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.
Charles' life was a testament to faithfulness, hard work, and unconditional love. His hands built homes, repaired countless things, tended beautiful gardens, and always reached out to help others. His example of integrity, generosity, and perseverance will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the family he loved, the homes he built, the lives he touched, and the values he passed on to future generations.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Denman Avenue Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m.
Charles will be laid to rest at Jonesville Cemetery in Huntington, Texas.
