Charles Ray Long

Decatur ~ On Tuesday, January 4, Charles (Charlie) Ray Long, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 91.

Funeral is 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

Rev. Donny Haywood will officiate. Pallbearers are Stephen Parker, Patrick Parker, Ben Williamson, Jake Williamson, Kevin Major and George Chirakadze.

Charlie was born February 17, 1930 to Cecil R. and Myrtle (Sneed) Long in Foresan, Texas. He married Lavaga Renshaw on Dec. 3, 1949 in Marietta, OK. Charlie attended Howard County Junior College, University of North Texas, and graduated from The University of Texas in Austin. He was owner and Pharmacist of Renshaw Drug on the Decatur square from 1955-1977, then for Renshaw Drug Two from 1977-1988, after selling the store, he continued to work until the spring of 2003. Charlie was an Olney Savings Director, as well as an avid golfer, gardener, hunter, artist and reader. His numerous civic activities included serving as City Councilman for 20 years, Mayor Pro Tem for 10 years, past president of Decatur Country Club, Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Jaycees, as well as sponsoring Decatur Little League baseball for over 20 years. He served on the fundraising committees for the Decatur Community Hospital and Decatur Public Library. Charlie belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Decatur where he served as usher for over 60 years.

Nothing made Charlie happier or more content than the time he spent with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Myrtle Long and his wife of 62 years, Lavaga. He is survived by his children Charlotte Long Williamson, Susanne Parker and husband Randy, Chuck Long and husband Tom Amirante. Grandchildren Sarah Chirakadze and husband George, Stephen Parker and wife Lora, Patrick Parker and husband Kevin Major, Ben Williamson and wife Renee, Jake Williamson and partner Kim Katopodis and numerous great grandchildren.