Charles Ray Hardwell, 61, of Jena, departed this life on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Jena Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jena.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024, at New Evergreen Baptist Church in Jena.

Interment followed in the Webster Cemetery in Trout under the direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena, LA.

Pallbearers were Lorenzo Hardwell, Tommy Farris, Chad Butler, Delvin Hatcher, Leroy Hardwell and Dwhite Wright.

Honorary pallbearers were Willie Earl Hardwell, Renzo Hardwell, Lionel Hardwell, Ben Reid, Wiley Dean Jr., Taylor Green Jr. and Ron Carr.

He was born on May 14, 1962 to the union of Robert Sr. and Lucille Hardwell.

Charles Ray accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. His education started at Goodpine High School and later he attended Jena Jr. High School.

Charles Ray worked various jobs starting in the logging business with the late Henry Wallace Sr. and the late Benard Gibbs. He was a very hardworking and devoted worker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Hardwell Jr. and Frank Davis Hardwell; sister-in-laws, Eula B. Hardwell and Renee Hardwell; and nephew, Robert Hardwell III.

Those left to cherish his memory include three brothers, Willie Earl Hardwell (Diana) of Jena, Renzo Hardwell of Jena and Lionel Hardwell of Winnfield; one sister, Clovice Farley of Jena; a friend, Moll; special nieces, Yana and Speedy Hardwell; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.