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Charles R. Wright, Sr. of Denton, TX and Ruidoso, NM passed away March 5, 2024. He was born September 23, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana to Charles Edward Wright and Nellie Clemens Wright. He married Judy Payne, his wife of 62 years, on September 2, 1961. They had three children together, Charles (Ronnie) Wright, Jr., (Tami), Cindy Ballew (Bill), and Jimmy Wright (Dusty). He had eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all who crossed his path. He spent his life endearing himself to others, sharing his tremendous faith in Jesus Christ which was the foundation of joy and hope each day of his life. Charles influenced people of all ages. Throughout his lifetime, he served children and youth as a little league baseball and football coach, Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and Sunday School teacher. After retirement from a profession in petroleum engineering, Charles and Judy moved from Irving, TX to Mineola, TX. There he served as the Director of Senior Adults at the First United Methodist Church. He was on the Board of Directors for the Mineola Kiwanis Club for several years and was the Mineola Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year in 1998. If you have known Charles for any length of time in recent years, he has likely given you a small wooden cross to carry. He always carried one and many times had extra available to spontaneously give away to others who crossed his path. This gesture exemplified his character of faith and his love for Jesus in the most authentic of ways. He continued to give these away and minister to others until the very end. He loved his family and others unconditionally. Memories of family time together sharing stories, laughing, playing cards, fishing, and watching movies will be eternally cherished. He is survived by his three children; grandchildren Abby Holmes (Carson), Ralston Wright (Taylor), Rachel Ostrow (Daniel), Emily Ballew, Jamie Wright (Devon), Jacob Wright (Brenna), Joshua Wright and Reese Wright; sister, Debbie Knapp (Mike); Brother in laws, Vic Payne (Michelle), Paul Payne (Carrie); several nieces and nephews; and great grandchildren, Tristan Holmes, Aiden Holmes, Wyatt Wright, Barrett Wright, William Quirindongo, Elizabeth Ostrow, Kennedy Ostrow, LJ Wright, and Cleo Wright. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Annilee Smith; and son-in-law Bill Ballew. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or The American Breast Cancer Foundation. A memorial service will be Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Slay Memorial Funeral Chapel in Aubrey, TX at 1:00PM. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Bradley Shotts and Slay Memorial Funeral Home.

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Mr. Charles Ronald Wright

September 23, 1938 - March 5, 2024