Charles Lindsey Stansell's Obituary
Funeral services for Charles Lindsey "Charlie" Stansell, 85, of Longview, will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 2013, at Greggton First Baptist Church. Charlie went to be with his Lord on August 19 after a short illness, and his family and friends rest assured that he was greeted with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Charlie was born in Pittsburg, TX, May 16, 1928, to Elton and Gertrude Stansell. In 1948, after having served two years in the Marine Corps, he married his beloved wife Peggy of 65 years. A graduate of Pine Tree High School and Kilgore College, Charlie went to work for Texas Eastman where he was supervisor of production and planning in the Polyethylene Department, retiring in 1986 after 34 years.
While at Eastman, Charlie organized the Eastman Industrial Band. He had been president of the Pine Tree Band, even leading it for a time during the war years when the director was drafted. Always particularly enjoying this kind of music, he also played in the Kilgore College band and a USMC band.
After settling in Pine Tree, the couple joined Greggton First Baptist Church where they were very active teaching Sunday school classes, going on mission trips, and participating in lay renewals across several states. Charlie also served on countless committees, and as a deacon, chairman of the deacons, and trustee.
However, throughout the years Charlie was best known by the church and community in an unofficial capacity simply as an humble servant of the Lord. He served wherever he was needed – from driving the church bus, to opening and closing the church doors, to greeting visitors, to cooking and delivering food to the sick or needy, to sharing produce from his wonderful garden or taking non-driving members to appointments. No task was beneath him, and he did his work in a quiet, unassuming way so as not to draw attention to himself. People saw that above all, Charlie loved the Lord, and what he did was to please Him.
Charlie was the most loving husband, father and grandfather. He led by example, teaching the Golden Rule by living it and thereby leaving the family a strong Christian Heritage. His warm, friendly smile and his loving words were constantly encouraging both to family and friends. He taught love and acceptance and never said an ill word of anyone. He always found something worthwhile in each person.
Charlie is survived by his wife Peggy and their three children, son David Stansell; daughter Debbie Gail and her husband, James Carpenter; daughter Paula and her husband, Bill Maxwell. Grandchildren include granddaughters Jacquelyn Carpenter, Cher Ratay, Lindsey Carpenter, Sandy Bishop; grandsons Josh Stone and Jason Maxwell; great granddaughters Konstance Mason, Brooke Presley, Madalyn Carpenter and great grandson, Taylor White. Other family members are his sister Felicia and husband Jack Moore; brother Eirial Stansell; brother Vance Stansell and his wife Mary Jane, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening at Rader's Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Rev. Kevin Bright and Rev. Bobby E. Moore will conduct the funeral service on Thursday followed by burial at Grace Hill Cemetery.
The family thanks Bert Ratay and Jim Kendrick of Longview Regional and their staff for their exceptional care – in particular the Heart-Vascular Unit nurses and attendants, and all his doctors, especially Dr. Warden, Dr. Frase and Dr. Bill Taylor . Also deeply appreciated are the many prayers, visits, and acts of kindness from his family, friends, ministers and church family that made his last days more cheerful.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to Greggton First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund.
A memorial book may be found online at www.raderfh.com.
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