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“To each of us God has given a span of life and time. There is a Time to be Born and a Time to Die” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

Charles Ray Watterson passed away from his earthly life on Feb. 15, 2021, and went home to take his heavenly rest in the arms of God.

Charles was born to the union of Oneida Harris Watterson and Ray Watterson on May 5, 1946, in the city of Bogalusa.

Baptized at an early age, he was a faithful member of White Hall Baptist Church under the Rev. Quinn Williams. He attended Bogalusa schools, including Poplas Elementary, and graduated from Central Memorial High School in the Class of 1966. During his young life, he was recognized as a very talented singer and visual artist and participated in school regional and state competitions.

He was employed by Crown Zellerbach in Bogalusa and later moved for employment to the Crown Zellerbach plant in Camas, Wash.

He also served with honor as a member of the Louisiana National Guard, with assignments in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Oneida Harris Watterson and Ray Watterson; brother, Rodney Watterson; sister, Carolyn Watterson Magee; and son, Byron DeWayne Watterson.

He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Katrice Watterson Wilson of Fort Wayne, Ind., and his son, Raymond Andre Watterson of Portland, Ore.; grandchildren, Demanuel and Zackary Wilson, Kapri Renee Archuleta-Watterson, Isis Sharnel, Aryez Marie Watterson and Brandon Maxwell Watterson; great-grandchildren, Jada, Jayden and Alonna Wilson of Fort Wayne; brothers, Richard (Hynethia) Harris of Baton Rouge and James Watterson of Vernon, Texas; sisters, Patricia Abrams and Rosetta Tillman (Will Peters) of Bogalusa; and a host of relatives and friends.

A private viewing and dismissal will be held at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa. All COVID-19 guidelines and requirements will be observed.

Katrice Wilson, Raymond Watterson and the family wish to offer special thanks to Larry Blue Brown and Calvin Johnson of the Disabled Veterans Association (DAV) and good friend Gail Schofield for special kindness shown to their father and family members.