Charles Ray Ates

Funeral services for Charles Ray Ates, age 82 of Bernice, LA, will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Bernice, LA. Officiating the service will be Bro. Reagan Colvin and Bro. Jeff Roberts. Interment will follow at Bernice Cemetery under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home.

Charles was born on April 30, 1944, in Tallulah, LA. to Charles and Fannie Mae Hutto Ates. He was the oldest of 14 children, seven boys and seven girls. He met the love of his life, Doris Hogue Ates in Monroe, La. and they married on December 1, 1966.

Charles was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, uncle, papaw and a dear friend to many. For more than 40 years, he was a licensed utility contractor for Municipal and Public Works for the State of Louisiana and Arkansas. He was instrumental in bringing water lines to many rural areas. Charles, Doris and Tommy owned and operated Charles Ates Construction, Inc. and helped Connie, Tommy and Angelia open Diamond A. Construction, Inc. and together they both were very reputable and successful businesses. He was an honest, strong & hardworking man with a servant’s heart who loved helping others through his kindness, friendship and willingness to listen. He had a sense of humor like no other and was quick witted. He loved his family above all else, but the apple of his eyes was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His faith, strength, love and generous spirit were evident throughout his life and will continue to live on through his family legacy and an asset to the community.

Charles enjoyed spending time at Lake Claiborne with his family, listening to music and his audio books, playing Farkle, and a good game of Rook or Dominos. Charles and Doris enjoyed traveling around the world, but the ultimate trip of their lifetime was to Israel where they renewed their wedding vows and exchanged rings “Where Thou Goest I Will Go” in scripted on the inside of the bands. Terri Singleton was his Best Woman that stood beside him as a witness to the ceremony. That trip was the highlight of their lives together and they shared their experiences with everyone them encountered.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Doris Hogue Ates; Parents, Charles Edward Ates and Fannie Mae Hutto Ates; In-Laws, Dallas and Melvin Sales Hogue; Brothers, James Ates, Edward Ates, John Oliver Ates and Steve Ates; Sisters, Carolyn Ates, Betty Sue Primm, Edith Akin and Linda Dodge; Brothers-In-Law, James Shirley, Keith Garner, Alford Miller, Robert Primm and Dennis Akin.

He is survived by his Son, Tommy Ates (Robin); Daughters, Connie Ates Urrey (Wayne) and Angelia Ates Harty (Robert); Grandchildren, Ethan Ates, Amber Urrey, Christopher Ates (Hannah), K.D. Urrey, Madison Benson (Beaux), Wesley Harty and Anna Harty; Adopted Honorary Granddaughter, Meagan Corley; Great Grandchildren, Isaac Ates, Sawyer Urrey, Adaline Rose Ates and Stetson “Boots” Benson; Brothers, Roy Ates and Wayne Ates (Leisa); Sisters Dorothy Mercer (Tommy), Darlene Smith (Mike) and Charlene Evans (Billy Joe); Brother-In-Law, Eddie Hogue (Karen); Sisters-In-Law, Alice Ates, Ann Ates and Frances Hogue Sales (Alan); a host of nieces and nephews and special friends Isiah Knox, Joe Cusimano and Ted Roberts.

Serving as pallbearers will be all his nephews and grandsons. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Tuesday, October 13, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

The family offers sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Reeves Memorial Medical Center, Always Best Care, Best Home Health, Bernice Volunteer Fire Dept., Pafford EMS, Union Council on Aging, his caregivers, Lynn Hester, Vaneeka Rollins, Doll Murray, Joey Patton and Kristina Scarborough for the exceptional care and kindness they showed him throughout the last years of his life. Special recognition to Sandra Pryor as a dedicated caregiver and friend as well as Ashley Verdin his nurse and “Doctor Friend”, Bro. Reagan Colvin and First Baptist Church, Bro. Steve Barrett and Pine Grove Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers you may send contributions in his honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, La. Methodist Children’s Home, La. Baptist Children’s Home, Gideon’s or organization/ church of your choice.