CHARLES MCBAY

Charles Holland McBay, born Nov 13, 1935, to December 18, 2021.

Member of Faith Baptist Church of Texarkana, Arkansas and was a “saved, born again Christian that loved the lord and still read his bible everyday”. Preceded in death by wife Francis Imogene Green McBay. Survived by wife Jean Lee McBay, three children Charles A. McBay and wife Janie, daughter Cynthia Yvonne Johnson and husband Billy, daughter Cheryl Joyce. Three step children Vicky Jones and husband James, daughter Tammy Lee, son Mark Lee, one sister Katherine Elkins a number of Grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. Charles loved his family with the deepest of love for all.

Charles is a military soldier of 27 year from 1957 to 1983 serving in the Vietnam war, Korea, Germany, Italy and multiple bases across the united states highly decorated and serving top rank as Sergeant Major in the United States Army.

Charlie McBay also accomplished a life long musical career, about seven decades including up until 2021 and has been awarded three “Living Legend Hall of Fame of Western Swing Awards and inductee.” He and his brother Billy began playing music for square dances in their neighborhood. Charlie has stated that the music industry has been really good to him. He’s received many treasured awards over the years. To name a few: In 2001, Charlie was inducted into the “Seattle, Washington Pioneers of Western Swing.” In 2003, he was inducted into the “Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame:, in San Marcos, TX. Then Cowtown Society of Western Music inducted Charlie in 2011 as a Hero of Western Swing.”

In 1957, Charlie worked with Billy Gray whose band attained the title of “Number One Western Swing Band of 1956.” While with the Billy Gray band, he played a Grand old Opry Tour featuring, Minnie Pearl, George Jones, Little Jimmy Dickens and Marvin Rainwater. Charlie, a lifetime member, played with Bob Wills Texas Playboys headed by Leon Raucsch and Grammy winner Tommy Allsup. the Larry Scott, Hall of Fame D.J. Once said Charlie , brother Bobby and brother Billy are the only three brothers of any family who ever played with the Texas Playboys Band.”

Funeral service will be 10am Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at East Funeral HomeDowntown.

Burial will be in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home-Downtown.

Family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the funeral home.

Online tributes can be sent at www.eastfuneralhomes. com.