Charles J. Farrell's Obituary
Beloved husband, father, Okie, family member, and friend, Charlie Farrell walked, healed and whole, into the arms of Jesus on December 8, 2023. We are certain that his best friend and bride welcomed him to the streets of gold with her handcrafted noisemakers in great celebration of their long-awaited reunion.
He was born to Joseph Bryan (Ben) Farrell and Maggie Pearl Hanna on January 4, 1954. He met the love of his life, Cinda Elizabeth Harbour, when they were freshmen in high school. He graduated from Ysleta High School in 1972. He attended Lubbock Christian University for two years. He married the love of his life, Cindy, in El Paso on May 24, 1974. They then transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree. While attending SFA, he was a member of the Lumberjack football team. He later received his Master’s degree at SFA.
His first job was as a coach and teacher at Parkland High School in Ysleta ISD. And as most will understand, he also coached and taught in Martinsville, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Smithville, Hallsville, and Marshall. He then served as principal in Marshall, Martinsville, and ended his career in Jefferson.
Charlie lost his beautiful wife in January of 2015 after her courageous battle with cancer. Afterward he lived his life for his kids and grandkids until his death.
Charlie Farrell’s greatest calling was His faith in God, his love for his family, and service to others. He was a long-time church member, teacher, and elder at Alpine Church of Christ in Longview, Texas.
Many remember Charlie Farrell as Coach Farrell. If you were ever called “Susie” during a heated moment of a basketball game; still cringe when you hear someone shout “to the baseline” because you know you’re about to run your legs off; were told to “sit down” when rebounding; “run like scalded dog” during the fourth quarter in a tight game; or hear the unmistakable “UNBELIEVABLE!” (typically exclaimed towards the refs); running with bricks (if you know, you know); you probably played basketball for Coach Farrell. He was tough but always fair. He was a student of the game and loved to teach his players to be fundamentally strong – much like Coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers. You could not play for Coach Farrell and not develop a love and admiration for basketball. We will never forget that defense wins championships, and 85% of all high school basketball games are won at the free throw line, and we promised to always hustle. Thank you, Coach Farrell. We are all better people because of the lessons you taught us on the greatest court.
Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Cindy Harbour Farrell, his father Ben Farrell, and his mother, Maggie Pearl Hanna Farrell, and his brother David Farrell.
He is also survived by his five children and their spouses: Christy Norton and husband, Adam: Charla Stark and husband Jared: Cody Farrell and wife, Hannah; Clayton Farrell and wife Amanda; and Clinton Farrell and wife Jenna.
He also left fifteen grandchildren: Kinzie, Jackson, Blaze, Brady, and Jordyn Norton; Everson and Nicodemus Stark; Kai, Kingsley, Kaycin, Madilyn, Londyn, Wade, Luke, and Jake Farrell. He is also celebrated by his sisters, Susan Farrell and Garylyn Farrell, and his nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Charles J. Farrell will be held Tuesday, December 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. Funeral services will be held at Alpine Church of Christ on Wednesday, December 13, at 10:00 am. Graveside services will be held at Martinsville Cemetery in Nacogdoches County at 1:00 p. m.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?
