Charles Ray Baltzell, Sr.

SUNRISE: Charles was born November 17, 1929 in Hartford, Kentucky to the late Charlie Lou Baltzell and Geneva L. Maddox (Baltzell) Shultz.

Charles served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 and received an honorable release from active duty as a corporal. While living in Kentucky, Charles united in marriage to Wilma Jean Taylor on July 18, 1955. To this union, six children were born. The family moved to Evansville, Indiana in the 1960’s.

Charles, known as “Jr. Ray” to everyone, had a multitude of skills. He worked as a mechanic, a driver for Shorty’s Wrecker Service, and a driver for BFI Sanitation. While employed with BFI, in 1987, Charles was awarded membership in the professional truck driver’s “Mack Million Mile Club - 40 Times Around the World” by the National Safety Council. He was a member of the BFI Presidential Club and was a competitor in the 1989 National Truck Rodeo. Charles retired from BFI in 1991 after 19 years of service.

“Jr. Ray” enjoyed rebuilding lawn mowers and was “the man to see” for repairs or to purchase a used lawn mower. He also restored bicycles and made sure every child on the block had one. His favorite pastime was the lottery. He made countless trips to Illinois to play and rode all over Evansville to play at every store. Nothing and no one stopped him from watching his Westerns and “his second wife,” Judge Judy. He did not hesitate to tell you “Judge Judy said. . . “

1740’s porch was the place for family and friends to gather to talk, laugh and reminisce with “Jr.Ray” who would fill you in on what was going on with everyone on the block. There was not a deck of cards anywhere that he had not won solitaire with. “Jr. Ray” had a fulfilling celebration of life and will live on in the hearts of many who knew and loved him.

SUNSET: God called Charles Ray Baltzell, Sr. from labor to reward on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 while at home with loving family at his chairside.

He is survived by his loving children – two sons: Richard L. (Dot) Baltzell and Bobby L. Baltzell – both of Evansville; daughters: Elizabeth C. Parrish, Jan (Henderson) Wilson – both of Evansville, and Joan Simpson of Louisville KY; sisters: Rosetta Rhodes, Margaret (Isaac) Coward, Nellie Shultz – of Louisville KY; 18 grandchildren; 45 great –grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Virginia Smith; brothers-in-law, Harry and Gilbert (Shinn) Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

“Jr. Ray” was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jean; son, Charles R.; father, Charlie Lou; mother, Geneva Baltzell Schultz; stepfather, Deward Schultz; brothers: Connie, John, and Deward, Jr.; sisters: Clara, Maryola, Sarah, and Ada; and grand-daughter, Zsaquan Antwinette Parrish.

A very, very special thank you to our sister, Elizabeth Parrish, for the love, compassion, and quality of life she provided for our daddy through these past six years of his struggle with medical issues.

Services are Thursday, July 21, 2016 with viewing 10:00am to 12:00 noon and services following at Mason Brothers Memorial Chapel 1001 Lincoln Ave., Evansville 47714. Burial at Sunset Memorial Park.