Charles Ray McLaren's Obituary
Charles Ray "Hammer" McLaren, 66, of Longview, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 8, 2021. Charles was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana on July 21, 1954. Funeral Service will be officiated by Bro. Olan McLaren on February 11th at 10am at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. Burial will follow at Ore City Cemetery, Ore City, Texas.
Charles grew up in Coushatta, Louisiana. He graduated from Fairview Alpha where he attended 1st thru 12th grade and participated in basketball and football.
In 1975, Charles moved to Texas where he met Margaret Sue. They married 2 weeks later.
In 1983, Charles began his lifetime career with North American Coal at Sabine Mining Company in Hallsville, Texas. He spent over 30 years in various roles including supervisor, equipment operator for the EZ Miner and Drag Line and trainer for new equipment. Early in his career he was given the nickname of "Hammer". Today, Hammer is known as a legend at Sabine Mining.
Charles was a wonderful provider for his family and was always there to help family and friends with anything they needed. He was an avid music lover and enjoyed reading western novels, but his favorite pastime was spending as much time as he could with his grandsons who were the light of his life. Charles had a quick wit, an infectious smile and a kind and compassionate spirit.
Charles was preceded in death by his father Charles Albert McLaren and mother Jeannette Layfield Watson. Charles is survived by his wife Margaret Sue McLaren, and children Rebecca & Jerry Tutt of Dallas, Ray & Sheila McLaren of Longview, Daphne & Chris Kessler of Longview, Albert McLaren & Lauren Whipkey of Kilgore, grandchildren Colten and Breann King, Sydney Hawley, Serra Rolow, Jaxen McLaren, Shyla Rolow, Westen McLaren, Serena Rolow, Hunter Whipkey, great-grandchildren Blakelee King and Colson Hawley, and siblings Randy & Sheila McLaren and Jacqueline & Perry May. Charles is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Ray McLaren, Albert McLaren, George Horsley, Gary Laney, Jason Vickery, Leon Brown, David Kinsel and DJ Geller. Honorary Pallbearer Jerry Tutt.
What a legacy. What a life. Hammer is gone too soon, but he will never be forgotten.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 1-3
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