Obituary for Ronald “Ronnie” Charles

Graveside Service for Ronald “Ronnie” Charles will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday,

September 14, 2026, at Brashear Cemetery with Bro. David Burns officiating.

Ronald W. Charles, age 77, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, passed away peacefully on

September 9, 2026, following complications from congestive heart failure.

Ronnie was born on November 17, 1948, in Paris, Texas, to Charlie Charles Jr. and

Mary Helen Barnett. On December 23, 1973, he married his wife, Shirley Lacy.

Together, they built a beautiful life and a loving family that was Ronnie’s greatest pride

and joy.

Ronnie was a devoted father to Shelley Burton and husband Jerry, Shara Roden and

husband Darren, and Shelbi Verratti. He was a beloved Pop to Shaden Burton and wife

Alli, Shaddox Burton, Charli Roden, Chesley Roden, and Asher Jacobs, and a proud

great-grandfather to Sophie Burton. His family was the center of his world, and he

cherished every moment spent with them.

For more than 50 years, Ronnie was the proud owner of M&W Feed and Fertilizer.

Throughout his many years in business, he developed countless friendships and

meaningful relationships throughout the community. Ronnie believed in doing business

the old-fashioned way with a gentleman’s handshake, honesty, integrity, and a genuine

commitment to treating people right.

Over the years, he built much more than a successful business. He built a reputation

founded on trust and respect and became a familiar and valued presence throughout

the Hopkins County community. To many, Ronnie was more than a businessman; he

was a friend, a neighbor, and someone they could always count on.

Ronnie was a country man at heart. He loved raising cattle and enjoyed the simple

pleasures that came with country living. He found great satisfaction in working the land,

caring for his cattle, and spending time surrounded by the things he loved. He was a

longtime member of First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. His faith was an important

part of his life.

Ronnie will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his honesty, generosity, and his

ability to make people feel like an old friend. He had a way of leaving a lasting

impression on everyone he met, and his handshake, smile, and familiar presence will be

deeply missed throughout the community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Charles Jr. and Mary Helen Barnett,

his sisters Linda Blount and Mary Ann Pavey and his beloved son-in-law, Phillip Verratti.

Ronald leaves behind a loving family and countless friends whose lives were made

better by knowing him. His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the

friendships he treasured, the business he built, and the many lives he touched

throughout his 77 years.

Though he will be deeply missed, the memories Ronnie created with those he loved will

remain forever in their hearts.

Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home.

www.westoaksfuneralhome.com