JIMMY RAY "BUCK" CHARLES

Jimmy Ray "Buck" Charles, 87 of Bland, VA, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 18, 2024.  Born in Peter Creek, KY, he was the son of the late Jesse and Belva Charles.  Jimmy was the oldest and last surviving member of his family.  He had served his country in the United States Navy and retired from the United States Army Reserves.  He enjoyed hunting and riding his 3-wheeler. He loved driving through the mountains and sitting on the front porch holding hands with the love of his life, Phyllis Jean, his wife of 65 years.  Buck was of the Church of Christ faith and enjoyed attending church and sharing his faith in the Lord with others.   At the core of his life, he was a family man, who loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Pat Scaggs, Ed Charles, June Ramey and Dean Charles.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife: Phyllis Jean Smith Charles of Bland, VA; his children: Patrick Vaughn Charles of Bluefield, WV and Shelia Jean Williams and husband, Orville of Lexington, NC; his grandchildren: Buck Tyler Williams, Sara Jean Barrett and husband, Jake, Collin Sean Charles and Brandon Loric Charles; his great-granddaughter: Lainey Jean Barrett and her sister, expected arrival in September.

A service to celebrate Buck's life will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Maple Hill Cemetery Chapel at 2:00 P.M. with Minister Mike Bales officiating.

Those wishing to visit with the family may do so on Wednesday at the cemetery from 1:30 P.M. until the hour of service.  The Mercer County Honor Guard will conduct Military last rites.