Charles Ray Vermillion

Charles Ray Vermillion, age 86, of Longview, Texas, passed away on February 19, 2013, from the effects of a stroke. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 22, at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel in Longview. Dr. William C. Everett, retired pastor and longtime friend, will be officiating. Visitation will be held at 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 21, at Rader Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral at Rosewood Park. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Charles was born in Carthage, Texas on May 16, 1926 to Charles Leslie Vermillion and Noveline Cox. He graduated from De Kalb, Texas High School in 1942. He then spent the next few years earning a bachelor's degree from Ouachita Baptist University and serving his country in the United States Army. Charles was married to Jo Anne Tate on December 21, 1948; they were married 64 years. Charles served as a minister of education, music, and/or administration for many Baptist churches in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. He earned a Masters in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1964. In 1977, he became the business administrator at East Texas Baptist University and served there for 15 years. He continued to serve churches on a part time basis while at East Texas Baptist University and in retirement. He also enjoyed golfing and being involved in Rotary Club. Charles is survived by his wife, Jo Anne, brother James H. Vermillion, sister Margaret Lowrey, his children and their spouses: Stephen and Kathy Vermillion, Retha Comer, Carey and Joan Ward, John and Michele Vermillion, and James and Laura Vermillion; eleven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Charles is preceded in death by his parents, brother Leland Vermillion, sister Lois Thomas, and sister Bernardine McBride. The family of Charles Ray Vermillion wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all the pastors, caregivers, and friends who ministered to Charles these last few years. Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Charles Ray Vermillion

May 16, 1926 - February 19, 2013