Charles Allen Hardgrave was born April 26, 1945, in Lubbock, Texas to Allen and JoNell Williams Hardgrave.
Charles and his family moved to their ranch near Goldthwaite in 1950 when he was 5 years old. After graduating high school, Charles continued his education at Abilene Christian College where he earned a degree in Music. Charles’ life was filled with music in all forms. He loved to sing from an early age. He sang at Church, often leading the singing. He sang at camp and at family reunions. He sang in a Barbershop Chorus and Quartet for many years. He also directed the Barbershop chorus.
When he was not singing, Charles was an accomplished musician. He could and did play many instruments with the French Horn being his favorite. His love of music lead to him being a Junior High band director in San Angelo, Texas for 11 years. Charles also had a very extensive collection of records, a collection he began as a young man.
In 1980, Charles moved back to Goldthwaite where he began a career with the Mills County State Bank.
He retired from the bank in 2006 after 26 years of service. He lled his retirement years with many vacations with Gayle along with family and friends. He enjoyed his coffee, both roasting the beans and drinking it. He pursued many interests and always enjoyed crossword puzzles.
Charles is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gayle Hardgrave of Killeen, Texas. He is also survived by his sons, Coby Hardgrave of San Angelo, Texas and David (Shanna) Navarrete of Grand Prairie, Texas and his daughter-in-law Tiffany Navarrete of New Braunfels, Texas. His grandchildren, Lourdes Navarrete, Zayn Navarrete, Charles Hardgrave, Edward Hardgrave, and Charli Navarrete. His siblings, Donna (Ken) Hardgrave Thomas of Prairie Grove, Arkansas and Dan (Julie) Hardgrave of Dallas, Texas.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Hardgrave and JoNell Williams Hardgrave and his son, Daniel Navarrete.
Today we are here because Charles touched our lives in some way. Charles would want us to remember the good times and live each day to the fullest. Charles passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Visitation will be Monday, December 2, 2024 from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM At Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home, Goldthwaite, Texas. Graveside service will be Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery, Goldthwaite, Texas, Interment Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery, Goldthwaite, Texas.
