Sept. 18, 1919 – Dec. 13, 2022

Troy Atlas Charles (T.A.) was born Sept. 18, 1919, to Troy Charles and Vesta Vitula Broughton, in De Leon. He slipped peacefully from this earth and into heaven Tuesday, Dec. 13. For those of us left on this side of heaven, how does one fill up the white space on paper to summarize a life well lived? T.A. Charles was filled with goodness. He loved the Lord. He loved his family. He was a loyal friend. He was an optimistic man who worked hard and was willing to share all he had with those who were less fortunate. He was a true gentleman.

His family moved from DeLeon to Iraan during his early teen years. His father passed away and T.A. became the “man of the house.” He began working before and after school to help support his mother and sister. He remained active in Boy Scouts and Explorers throughout high school.

After graduating, he worked in the oilfield. He took opportunities to learn about the equipment and was attentive to the daily operations. The knowledge he gained from these early experiences benefited him his entire life.

When the United States entered WWII, T.A. enlisted in the Merchant Marines where he was trained as a Radio Man and a Medic. He traveled with the Merchant Marines across the Atlantic, through war zones, several times to resupply troops in Europe.

After the war was over, T.A. and his family moved to Odessa. He returned to what he knew best, the “oil patch.” While in Odessa, he was offered a job working in the oilfields of Venezuela. He was in Venezuela for nearly a decade before returning to the States to go to college. During the entrance examination process, he was given an intelligence test. His scores were significant, qualifying him for an invitation to be part of the Mensa International, an international organization whose only qualification was scoring within the upper 2% of the general population on an intelligence test. T.A. earned degrees in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from LSU.

After graduating with two bachelor’s degrees, he and his family returned to Venezuela for a time. He also worked in the oilfields of Algeria. Before retiring, T.A. also operated several successful businesses. He was intentional in his hiring practices, hiring men and women who were seeking opportunities to create better lives for themselves and their families. T.A. blessed many men and women throughout his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bettye Asher Charles; their daughter, Edith Charles; his sister, Flora Anita Charles; his second wife, Loyce Putnam Charles; and her son, Joe Somers Putnam. Survivors include granddaughters, Susan Haldeman (Sheryl Luppens) of Florida, Carly Haldeman of Ohio, and Jamey Willis (Randy Willis) of Abilene. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren from his first marriage. Other surviving family members include stepdaughters, Micki Bullock (John Bullock), and Luretta Weaver; and step-daughter-in-law, Jenny Putman. He has eight step-grandchildren and one step-grandchild.

His family and friends already miss him. They are certain a great cloud of witnesses was waiting for T.A. as he entered heaven. Their celebration might have included, “Finally, 103 years on earth was long enough! Welcome home, Brother.”

His family and friends will see him again... just not yet.