Norma Maxine REYNOLDS CASTLEBERRY

Aug. 30, 1926 - May 14, 2007

Charles
June 6, 1925 - Aug. 25,2008

Married Aug. 16, 1944

Obituary
rollefuneralhomes.com
FAULKNER COUNTY - Charles Wilburn Castleberry loved people. He never met a stranger. He was quick to start up a conversation whenever he was around others and rapidly discovered common ground. As well as other interests, he enjoyed farming, sports, particularly baseball and his beloved NY Yankees, hunting, politics, and animals. He had great recall for interesting events that occurred throughout his life and could entertain for hours while reminiscing.
He passed from this life in Conway on Monday, August 25, 2008 at the age of 83 following complications from stroke and pneumonia. He was active until the end, overseeing his farm operation, which included a large number of beef cattle. A life-long resident of Greenbrier, he was a descendent of a pioneering Faulkner County family. He was born to the late Hinkle M. and Ermon Sawrie Castleberry on June 6, 1925. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 64 years, Norma Maxine Reynolds Castleberry. He missed Maxine immensely and never fully recovered from her death in 2007.

Immediate survivors include two daughters, Charlsie Faye McBride of Conway and Norma Jean Turbeville of Little Rock; one sister, Mary Lois Harrington of Greenbrier; three grandchildren, Dr. Charles Bryant Turbeville of Little Rock, Noble Blake McBride of Mountain Home, and Ashley Elizabeth Turbeville, also of Little Rock.
Charles led an interesting life. He began his education in a one-room school in the Republican community. He walked to and from school most days. He was a graduate of Greenbrier High School.
As a young man, Charles attended Doc Williams baseball school in Greenbrier. He was a strong-armed catcher and power hitter. He once was invited to catch knuckleballer, Gene Bearden, in an exhibition game at Traveler's Field. Bearden was the star pitcher on the Cleveland Indians World Championship team in 1948 on a staff that included Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, and Satchel Paige. Charles hit two home runs in the game against future Major League pitcher, Mel Wright, who later played for the Cubs and Cardinals. Charles' exploits attracted the attention of the Detroit Tigers. He played for a brief time for the Tigers farm club in west Texas. At that time, he was newly married to Maxine, away from home and family. Homesick and lovesick, he returned for good to Greenbrier after his brief stint in professional baseball.

Charles was no stranger to hard work. He learned to operate heavy equipment and single handedly cleared the land where his farm is located. He enjoyed sitting on the porch overlooking his farm. To him, there was no more beautiful place on earth. Later, he operated a bull dozer for many years throughout Faulkner and surrounding counties.
He rarely missed watching his daughters play basketball when they were in school at Greenbrier. He delighted talking about the exploits of the team and the girl's successes, but was quick to point out a missed free throw or lay-up that should have been made.

He served as Faulkner County Sheriff and Collector for five terms, from 1977 to 1986. He made many friends during that time, including many prisoners. One of his prisoners knew of his love for quail hunting and invited him to hunt on his remote farm. It was late in the season and it had been hard to find any birds of late. That day, however, Charles and his guests had great success after climbing a fence on the back of the property and crossing a ridge. At the end of the day he stopped by his "prisoner's" home to thank him for the hunt and give him the game birds. Upon learning exactly where he had hunted, his gracious host exclaimed, "It's a wonder you're not all pushing up daisies! You got over on old man Smith's place and he doesn't allow any hunting. If he'd been home he would've shot you!" That was perhaps his closest encounter with the wrong end of a gun during his tenure as Sheriff.

He and Maxine always had a large garden and shared the bountiful produce with family, friends, and neighbors. Charles loved his grandchildren and delighted in their adventures as they grew up. There were many ball games, fishing trips, dance and piano recitals through the years. He was very proud of their individual accomplishments.

He was a frequent participant in the Faulkner County Fair Parade. He had an authentic hand-made, horse drawn, Amish buggy that he and Maxine and other family members often rode in the parade. He and his granddaughter, Ashley, also rode their horses in the parade a number of times through the years. They each won several awards for "best rider" or "best dressed" in their respective age groups and he jokingly said he would beat her next year when she received a higher award than he.

Family farm operations through the years included cotton, sheep and dairy farming, and egg processing before settling completely on beef cattle. He greatly enjoyed farming and tending to his menagerie of animals. Over the years he had numerous well-trained bird dogs, primarily Setters and Pointers, and a host of other animals, including several strays. He kept horses, ponies, goats, chickens, dogs and cats. One of his dogs, Jake, was the last of a long list of pets through the years and was a special favorite. Jake was a great companion and faithfully waited each day at the door for Charles to return home during his illness.
Charles was a good friend to many. He had a tender heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be greatly missed.
Charles knew that God loved him and that he was a sinner saved by grace. As much as he loved life, he knew that his last breath here would be his first breath in glory. He would bask in the presence of his beloved family that predeceased him in faith, and in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the blessed hope and redeemer for all humanity. Charles understood that salvation was a gift from God. When we deserved justice, He offered mercy. Through Jesus' sacrifice our sins are washed away if we would but call on Him. There is no other gospel....Oh, what a savior!

Charles would have thanked his care-givers at Conway Regional Hospital. They did their best in treating him and making him comfortable. A special thank you goes to Joseph Graves for his heart-felt concern and tender care. He encouraged the family with his nursing expertise and his thoughtful counsel. Joseph truly made a difficult situation better and will always be remembered.
Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27th, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Thursday, August 28th at 10:00 a.m., with the Reverend Otis Lyons, Jr., a lifelong family friend, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the family plot at Republican Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Bryant Turbeville, Blake McBride, Rod Harrington, Justin Acre, Bart
Castleberry, and Paul Posey
Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Reynolds, Charles Edward Reynolds, Larry Hargrove, Jim McBride and Dr. Joseph Turbeville.


Obituary
rollefuneralhomes.com
Maxine Castleberry, a life-long resident of Greenbrier, was gathered into the arms of angels on May 14, 2007 and carried into paradise to be with her Lord and Savior.

She was born near Greenbrier on August 30, 1926, to the late Daniel W. and Vergie Brown Reynolds. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Johnnie George.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles Castleberry; two daughters, Charlsie McBride of Greenbrier and Norma Turbeville of Little Rock; three grandchildren; two sisters, Carolyn Kirkpatrick of Little Rock and Doris Ackerman of Columbus, Ohio; one brother, Joe Reynolds of Conway; and several nieces and nephews.

She was a diligent worker, both on the family farm and in public life. She always had a large vegetable garden and especially enjoyed tending to her plants and flowers. Her tender nature was also manifested in her love of animals. She delighted in caring for her many pets through the years. She had a humble and quiet spirit, always putting others first. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Rev. Otis Lyons officiating. Interment will follow at Republican Cemetery.

Visitation is Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Bryant Turbeville, Blake McBride, Neal Kirkpatrick, Bobby Reynolds, Bruce Dantzler, and Rodney Harrington. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Hargrove, Justin Acre, Lonis Hammett, and Billy Banister.
Photo courtesy of hawkinsdonna@att.net

Contributed on 10/13/15 by mountain_veteran
Email This Contributor

Suggest a Correction

Record #: 1102722

Don't Follow