Billy Joe Charles

Billy Joe Charles, Child of God, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on Friday, July 15th at the home of his family in Dothan, AL. He was a resident of Heflin.

Joe was born April 20,1931 near Fruithurst, AL to the late Huston (Houston) U. Charles & Sarah Ellen Thompson Charles. He was a member of the 1949 graduating class of Cleburne County High School, a loving husband, devoted father & grandfather (Pop). His work life mainly consisted of working with his father & later his brothers at the family business last known as Charles Sons Lumber Company. He was a CCHS Band Booster and a member of Heflin Baptist Church. He enjoyed being with his family (especially his grandchildren), sharing a good meal, playing Frisbee, riding his bicycle, watching Nascar races, and taking care of Linus & Lucy (the family's two puppies).

Survivors include his daughter, Jo Ann Charles Hoekenga; son-in-law, Steve Hoekenga; grandchildren, Emily Ann Hoekenga, Joseph Ryan Hoekenga, & Charles Dean Hoekenga, all of Dothan, AL; three sisters, Shirley Charles of Heflin, Betty Charles Holmes of Anniston, Carol Charles Gregg of Auburn, brother-in-law Jerome W. Smith of Cypress, TX, nieces, nephews, and other extended family & friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Margaret Ann Smith Charles; his parents; sisters, Pearl Charles (infant), Polly Charles Pope & Elaine Charles Jones; brothers, Ernest J Charles, & Jerry Mac Charles, Sr.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, July 19th from 10 am until 11 am at Dryden Funeral Home with Dr. Wayne Stevens officiating the celebration of life service to immediately follow at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kitchen Fund of Heflin Baptist Church.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Billy Joe Charles, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.