Obituary

Charles Ray Rogers

September 27, 1930 - February 28, 2026

Charles Ray Rogers, age 95 and of Bogalusa, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on February 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

A lifelong resident of Bogalusa, Charles was a talented and hardworking man who began learning the trade of electrician under his father at a young age. By the age of sixteen, he was capable of wiring entire homes on his own — the beginning of a lifetime marked by skill, dedication, and an unwavering work ethic.

In 1948, Charles enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served his country for four years. During his service, he became known for his exceptional marksmanship.

Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and was hired at the Bogalusa Paper Mill, where he faithfully worked in the Powerhouse for more than forty years. His strong Christian faith, mechanical ability, and steady work ethic earned him the respect of all who worked alongside him. He was lovingly teased about his “hollow leg” and the brown paper bag he carried daily, always filled with enough food and snacks to sustain him through his shifts.

In May 1955, Charles married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Breland. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service and were blessed with two children.

Charles was a lifelong member of Superior Avenue Baptist Church, attending church the same day he and his mother were released from the hospital. He was ordained as a deacon in 1974 and served faithfully for decades. In 2025, he was honored with Deacon Emeritus status in recognition of his lifelong dedication and service.

A true jack of all trades, Charles could build or repair nearly anything and generously shared his talents with his family, friends, church, and community. He was a member of the American Legion and the Bogalusa Masonic Lodge No. 244, where he served as Past Master around 2005.

Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and bowling. Blessed with a remarkable green thumb, he could grow almost anything. Each winter, many still enjoy his abundant satsuma crop. He was also a member of a Daylily Club in Mississippi, sharing his love of beautiful flowers. At the remarkable age of 90, and despite extremely poor eyesight, he harvested a deer with the assistance of a special great-nephew-in-law — a testament to his enduring strength and determination.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie Passman Rogers and Harold Thomas Rogers; his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Rogers; his son, Charles P. Rogers; his sister, Shirley A. Burr; and his brother, Thomas Rogers.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted daughter, Kristal D. Creel and husband, Ronald L. Creel; his sister-in-law, Mary S. Breland; his brother-in-law, Michael Breland; along with numerous nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Services celebrating his life will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with Masonic Rites at 12:30 p.m. and concluding services at 1:00 p.m. Reverend Clay Norwood will officiate, with instrumental music and song provided by Gordan Thomas.

Charles will be remembered for his love of God, his faithful service to his country and church, his skilled hands, his steady work ethic, and his deep and abiding love.