Charles Ray Terrell

Charles Ray Terrell, age 85, of Odessa quietly passed from this world into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Charles was born at home in a small farmhouse outside of Anson, TX on May 19, 1936 to Jack B. and Emma Eloise Terrell. Charles accepted the Lord as his savior when he was 10 years old. Charles was reared in Penwell, riding the bus to Odessa for school. He attended North Elementary, Crockett Jr. High, Odessa High School and Odessa College, where he was vice president of the Baptist Student Union. He was in the U.S. Navel Reserves from 1954-1956. Because of a devastating car wreck while attending OC, he received an honorable discharge. He earned his BBA from Texas Tech University. While at Tech, he was a member of Delta Sigma Pi and the famous “Saddle Tramps”. Returning to Odessa, he met the love of his life, Patsy Lynn Alexander while attending Belmont Baptist Church. They were married on February 4, 1961, recently celebrating 60 years. He and Patsy own and operate Terrell Employment Service since 1962. Charles loved people and enjoyed counseling many in their life and career choices.

Charles was a charter member of the Permian Basin Depression Glass Club. He was the co-chairman of the Permian Basin Fair, Antiques and Relic Division for many years. He was a member of the Odessa Jaycees from 1960-63. Charles sang in his church choir and was a member of the Singing Churchmen of Odessa. He taught Sunday school for over 35 years to 4th-6th grade boys. He was an ordained deacon of Crescent Park Baptist Church, faithfully attending since 1973. Charles leaves behind a legacy of faith and love for his children and his grandchildren.

Charles loved playing “42” and card games. He enjoyed the mountains of Ruidoso and vacationing with “his girls”, his daughters, April and Tiffany and granddaughters, Courtney, Chynna and Emerald. Charles’ sense of humor endeared him to all of his family and friends.

Those left behind to cherish his faith, his smile and his love are his wife, Patsy; daughters, April Terrell-Burns and Ricky of Odessa, Tiffany Kelley Nolen and Doug of Austin, TX; his beloved granddaughters, Courtney Kelley, Chynna Goree and Daniel and Emerald Terrell; his sister, Jolene Gamble and Bob; nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Bobby Dale Gamble.