of Gassville, AR
April 1, 1952 - January 8, 2023
Charles ''Charlie'' Eugene Willett of Gassville, Arkansas, was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on April 1, 1952 to Russell and Opal Willett. Charlie passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023, at his residence.
Charlie worked as a construction worker, Counselor for Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Reverend of the Church of Harmonious Development, and was a long-time member of Gassville Baptist Church. However, his passion was being a Fishing Guide on the river.
He is survived by his three children: Melissa Walker, Ted (Kristen) Landberg, and Nicole Adams; three grandchildren: Adalyn Peavey, Brynleigh Adams, and Austin Adams; brothers: Bill Willett and Kenny Willett; sisters: Alice Willett and Peggy (Jon) Miller; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Charlie definitely had a welcoming party in Heaven consisting of his parents: Russell and Opal Willett; brothers: Karel Sanders, Leon Willett, James Willett, Benny Willett, and Rusty Willett; and sister: Ilene Stevenson.
Charlie was known as ''The Candy Man'' to many people. He never met a stranger and to those that knew him, he was always there to lend a helping hand.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Baxter County Oak Grove Cemetery account through First Security Bank.
A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 pm on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Gassville Baptist Church in Gassville, Arkansas, with a memorial service to follow. Arrangements are under the care of Roller Funeral Home.
Made us so sad to hear this. We had some great fishing trips with this man. He was so kind and never shied away from telling his story of hitting rock bottom and owing everything to God for saving his life and soul. No question where he is today and for eternity. Hope there’s the most beautiful and abundant trout stream in heaven and that you’re pulling out trophies every day!
I am sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. He was a great man. And a friend that will forever be remembered by me. Always smiling and loved to teach kids to fish. Rest In Peace old friend.
One could only this about "Charlie" he lived his way and it was a way that most people (wish they could)). He was kind and loved life.
He will be missed by all that had the honor to have known him.
So sorry to hear the news. We enjoyed fishing and being around Charlie. He was always laughing.
So sorry for the families loss. Charlie was a good friend for a number of years! He will be missed….
II am so sorry . Charlie was a good man.
Charlie was a patient & good friend to Dr Abraham and I will always remember him with affection
Mary,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy
Charlie was loved and will be missed by many people. Prayers for all his family. God bless you all.
In high school Charlie was my “boyfriend.” I went away to college and when I came back he visited me often. And then many years and experiences moved us on through life. Thanks to Facebook we reconnected and had lots of back and forths about the past and the present. No one can replace his kindness, thoughtfulness and all around goodness. I am so sorry that he is gone but the memories will always take me back to a simpler time and bring a smile and a chuckle. I pray all who loved him will hang on to those precious memories. Rest in Peace, old friend. Love ya
He will be missed but David probably welcomed him singing "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be" with Charlie Harris. Prayers for the family.
Certainly one of my oldest and dearest friends! You’ve always been such a wonderful friend to me. I wasn’t able to attend services today, but my thoughts have been with you and your family. I miss you already and life will not be the same w out you. Rip and fly high buddy. ❤️💔
Charlie was the nicest guy. We enjoyed a recent chat with him at breakfast. Lots of school memories as well. Thoughts and prayers to the Willett family. Patty Pitchford Fletcher and brother Glen Pitchford.
What a great loss. I owned and operated the White River Inn for 16 years. This how I came to know Charlie. I will al;ways count myself very fortunate!! What a great man and guide he was. Charlie was simply"Bigger than life"!! With that big smile, and his contagious laugh, Charlie had the world by the tail!
It was a lucky client that fished with Charlie. His shore lunches, and homemade pies ( always made with love) were worth the trip alone. And then there were all the stories;-) ! Charlie could spin a yarn, most of them he actually lived. My clients would always ask me the usual two questions, whose my guide? And is he any good? Each time, I would smile, and answer with 100 percent certainty, every single time, "You're gonna have a GREAT time with Charlie Willette". He never made a liar out of me. I heard too many times as they returned, You were right about Charlie, We had such a good day. It was Charlies way, it was his gift!!
His love for the river, the people, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, were always unmistakable.I think each of us want to be remembered well. Charlie Willette most certainly will be. God made him one of the special ones. He changed peoples lives in a positive way on a daily basis. Charlie didn't talk about his faith all the time. He LIVEd it each and every day. Charlie walked the walk, so to speak.
Charlie was not a man of means, but he was truly rich. Rich in all the ways that matter, when it comes down to it. He was a man of faith. A man with too many friends to count. A man respected by his peers. A man who contributed to others selflessly. A man who is certain to have heard these words as he entered heaven, "well done, my good and faithful servant'!!
Today , Charlies passing leaves a void here on earth that can never be filled. There was only one " Charlie Willette"! We will all miss Charlie, very very much.
Charlie was a special guy to us and many more . We ll remember your smiling face and big ol hugs till we see you again . Love and condolences to the whole family .
Uncle Charlie was one of the best men I’ve ever known. It was an honor to grow up with a man like him in my life. He is most certainly dancing with Jesus this hour and I’m so thankful for his kind humble spirit. May the Lord Bless his family and may many more come to know the Father because of the example Uncle Charlie showed us through his redeemed life.
So sad to hear the news. Charlie was a great man, loved by God and his family. He will be missed by many.
Charlie will be missed on the "River"
Charlie will be missed by many. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor willing to lend
a helping hand to you. My thought in prayers are with the family, may God give you strength and peace with.
Charlie was one of a kind! One of my oldest and dearest friends. We had some fun… didn’t we buddy. I will miss you so much. So glad we got to spend time together at the recent class reunion! Fly high!
So sorry for your loss. May the Lord give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. All our love and prayers.
Charlie was a great family man and was so proud of his grandchildren and the Willett family. I have know Charlie all my life and l will always remember his humor and smile! He was a great ambassador for the whole Twin Lakes Area, through his guide service he touched the lives of thousands of people on the river and on Facebook. Thank You Charlie! You will be missed!
I really enjoyed working with Charlie on Class 72 Reunion, recently! Had lots of laughs and old memories! Not ever giving a thought to ….it was the last time.
I will miss you Charlie! May you Rest In Peace !
Prayers for his family he was a good man
Charlie was my friend and neighbor for many years. Words are not adequate to describe the sadness I felt when I heard Charlie had died. He had stopped and visited with me three weeks prior. To Alice, Billy, Kenny, and Peggy, hold the cherished memories of Charlie close. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
Ill b pulling for all of us on this side and seing u on the other side much love me
Peggy, I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. May he rest in peace. I remember how fun it was to sit outside at Grandma Willett’s and listen to all of the stories from your family. Sending prayers for your family. ❤️
My condolences to you all. I always felt the April Fool connection to Charlie as an April 1 baby too. When he brought animals to my dads office, he was always cheerful. He was just a good soul to be around. May God lift your hearts with the joyful memories 💕
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. RIP Charlie.
Have known Charlie all my life. It is a very sad day.
What a different world it will be without Charlie. I guess he did so much good work on this earth, the Lord decided he needed his help up there (or as an angel down here). Prayers to all the Willetts from the Sheleys. Sure going to miss that guy!
Sending Prayers for strength to ALL of Charlie's family, immediate and extended.
As shown by the abundance of prayers here and on social media, he was ONE OF A KIND and TRUELY LOVED by so many.
We believe he is at peace & warmly greeted by many family members & friends who have passed before him!
Our families included!
RIP dear friend, love you!
It's hard to say goodbye to someone you've known your entire life. Charlie lived up to his name when he delivered fried chocolate pies to me at my dad's former restaurant while I was back in Mountain Home for our high school reunion a few years back. He always had something special up his sleeve for everyone. I'll always remember his sweet spirit.
my thoughts and prayers go out to the Willet family Charlie epitomized everything wonderful about the Twin Lakes area He was such a kind and generous soul . Losing him feels like we've lost not only a friend but an era in time. Rest in Peace brother Charlie.
Charlie ( the candy man ) will be missed by many. our thoughts an prayers to the family. May his memory be blessing.
I am so sorry for the loss of a special man. Charlie always had a smile on his face and always waved at everyone. I will miss him calling me mean Mary. Go rest on that mountain. My thoughts and prayers to all the family. MaryLee Kincaid
Charlie has ALWAYS felt like "Family" to me. He was a dear friend of my Mothers', (Mary Lou Howard), and so I grew up having Charlie in my life. The entire Willett Family means SO much to me and, although I'm not the best at keeping in touch, I have, and will, ALWAYS LOVE YOU ALL!! I agree with Jimmy Bryant- however it was before Charlie got there, its different now, for sure! My prayers and condolences. 💜Lisa
Prayers for all of Charlie’s family and that they will find comfort at this time.
We were blessed to be able to call him a friend. Praying for comfort for his family and his friends. Rest in peace Charlie.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your lives one. Charlie was a god and kind man. He will be missed by many. He was the hi-light when you went to ball games at Cotter school when he had his bag of candy. Young and old loved to stop and get candy from him. He loved to make sure he had good food for his fishermen and at church potlucks. What I will miss most about him. Is seeing him in Sunfest on my days at work and on my way home when stopping at the four way stop. Seeing him in his garden or cutting wood with a friend. Hugs and prayers for all his family and friends.
Good man, Charlie. Rest peacefully now. So glad to know. God bless your family who miss you.
May your family and friends feel the loving arms of Christ around them as they continue their earthly journey without you. You are a special friend
Rest in peace my old friend
Many great memories
Charlie was one of my favorite customers when I worked at the bank! He always had a smile on his face and made everyone smile. He will be deeply missed!
Sending my condolences to the family,🙏💚 sorry to hear of Charlie's passing!! I will miss him!!😔💙 I've known him for many years!! 🙏❤️💜 🙏💕
Rest Peacefully, Charlie. Blessings to your family.
I was so shocked to see Charlie's picture this morning when I looked on the web site. We had not seen him in years but Charlie had been a friend for many years. Billy, Kenny, Alice and Peggy I am so sorry for your loss. Will be praying for you all.
Our thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Charlie was a good friend and will be missed by many. Love you Charlie, from Bill and “The Johnson Girls”.
While I was Pastor of Gassville Baptist Church, Charlie was my friend and fishing buddy. He and I spent many days on the river catching trout. I was saddened by his death. I have told many people about the day we were fishing and Charlie said, "I've got to stop and feed my owl." Sure enough he placed a trout on a fallen tree and an owl flew down to get it. I have many happy memories of Charlie.
So loved. So missed. So sad. A great brother, son. friend to all. Still very hard to believe. Love and prayers to your amazing family.
Always enjoyed seeing Charlie on the many cooking fishing trips we were on together,Great friend!
To all of Charlie's family,
We are so very saddened by the passing of Charlie. He was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed. He was our neighbor here in Gassville and we saw him on a pretty regular basis as he came and went down the street. He always had a smile and a wave for us. If we were sitting outside, he would pull in and visit with us for a while. He was known to show up at our door unannounced and bring us food (BBQ or peanut butter pie) just because from time to time. He was such a gentleman.
We shared garden goodies and he brought us a few bicycle wheels to choose from when my bicycle got damaged by a fallen limb in the yard so it could be fixed. So thoughtful and kind.
Charlie will always be remembered as a great man. He was extraordinary.
Please accept our condolences. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy at this time. Sending prayers and comfort your way.
Sincerely,
Mike ad Dianna Roller
So sorry he has passed. He was a good man. I will miss him on the river.
So sorry to hear the news about Charlie
My condolences to his family for the loss that they're suffering at this time One thing for sure where ever Charlie's at now it'll be a different place then it was before he got there
Thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏 for all
Charlie rip in peace. Prayers for your family and friends. Miss you my friend.🙏
May God surround all of Charlie’s family with His loving arms as God is doing with Charlie.
I'm so sorry for your loss all my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wanda Evans
Sending prayers for all of you during this difficult time. RIP Charlie.
Charlie was a special guy. We were friends in school and on Facebook. We were always teasing each other. Charlie you will be missed. Save me a place in heaven.
I felt were we great friends no matter how long it had been since I had seen him. I always felt special and will miss his big smile, his bear hugs and his big heart. Love you, Charlie❤️
Charlie is a true success story - he faced his demons and overcame them. I am so proud of him and happy to know he was my friend. I will treasure his loving attitude and I will miss his welcoming hugs. RIP dear Charlie.
RIP Charlie. You will be missed.
To anyone who knew Charlie, he was a brother, friend and wonderful thoughtful person. He will be missed. Thoughts.and prayers for the rest of my Willett cousins.
We love you guys. Cousin Kay &.Ben in Texas.
I can’t remember not knowing Charlie. We have been friends for many years. When we went on the Buffalo river he would do the cooking so the women could enjoy themselves. What a wonderful man! Love you Charlie! Rest in peace.
Rest in peace Charlie - gonna be missed by so many people. We fished with Charlie over the years, and always, withoug exception, had a great time with Charlie. Learned a lot from him and this world lost a great man.
So sorry for your loss! May the LORD lift you up at this time! We will see him again and he will have all the best fishing holes in heaven found for sure! GOD Bless you all friends and family!!
Charlie will be missed by all. Such a kindhearted man. Heaven gained an angel for sure. RIP Charlie! Prayers to the family!
We will miss you
He was such a sweet guy. I will miss him fishing with us on the river. I know I will fish again with him in heaven. We will not be able to attend his funeral. I am to travel to Georgia this Saturday and be a pallbearer at my cousins funeral. But our hearts and prayers are with you.
Charlie use to help KT bbq early in the morning by starting their smoker with turkeys,brisket, ham, chickens, I was working on a house in gassville. I stopped in every morning for a cup of coffee and some chit chat. He taught me a few things about smoking meat to which I'm am grateful for.
Charlie was special and will be missed. I wish I could be there for a final good-bye. Anytime we saw each other somewhere there was always a hug and lots of catching up on each other's family. Take care all.
Rest east Charlie, you will be missed coming by and visiting. Prayers for the family.
Mr. Charlie, you were definitely the best neighbor we've ever had! You were always so nice, friendly, and helpful. The neighborhood will never be the same without you! Our son Garry thought the world of you, and so did we. Heaven definitely gained another angel the day you arrived. We will see you again in Heaven!!!
Sorry for your loss, he was a sweet man!!
Alice, Peggy, Kenny & Billy and family…..my deepest condolences for your loss. I knew Charlie for years growing up and always a kind gentle man. He would tell you how it was and what he thought about things lol. He will be missed by so many but he has earned his wings and no more pain. I know him, Jaby and his mom and dad will greet me at heaven’s gates someday. Alice hugs for you my sister love you.
RIP Big Man Big Heart
Sympathy & prayers sent to all the family. He was a great friend, thoughtful & caring.
I am so sorry for your loss. May the many good memories flood your mind in this time of grief.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Charlie was a pain in my side at times when we were teens but I always considered him a friend!
Condolences and Hugs to Charlies Family. Sooo Sorry.
RIP Charlie. Enjoy your forever after.
You know how much I loved you Charlie. And I know it was mutual. Your friends and family won't ever get over losing you. Keep a spot ready. Someone of us will be there soon. Peggy, Alice, Billy, Kenny.......stay strong.
You will be dearly missed Fish Whisperer !!! Hope to fish with you in Heaven!! Love you!!
Charlie was a friend to all that knew him. Glad he was able to make it to our class reunion this year...the class of 72. RIP Charlie, you will be missed.
Dear Willett Family
Charlie and my daddy boB were good friends. They knew each other for many years. They both counseled people at Omart and through AA. I am so sorry for your loss. I know they are having a reunion in heaven. My prayers for you.
We send prayers to Charlie's family at this time of grief. Diane graduated with Charlie and we got to visit with him when he catered the 45th class reunion. We had a memorable time with him and he will be missed in Cotter and on the river. R.I.P. River man.
Charlie will be missed by many. We road the same school bus daily. He helped many people through the years.
Will miss your Facebook posts and your office pictures on the river, I’m sure there’s fishing in heaven, you have always been a good friend even if there have been years seeing each other. Thinking of families in this difficult times, sending love and prayers ♥️🙏♥️
Charlie was a treasure and a bright spot in our community. We are thankful to have known and loved The Candy Man.
My condolences to the family. Charlie has touched so many life's and will truly be missed. God bless his family and friends
Rip !
Charlie will be missed by many !
Thoughts and prayers for the family!
Great Man !
Rip !
Charlie will be missed by many !
Thoughts and prayers for the family!
Great Man !
Charlie the candy man will be greatly missed. He had such a kind heart and a ready smile. He never met a stranger. The kids at church would flock around him and his candy bag. He loved seeing the kids smile as much as the kids did the candy.
Charlie will be missed by many including me. Prayers going up for the family as they go through this sorrow. May you each feel God's love during this time.
Love and prayers to Charlie’s family. You will be missed by so many. My heart is just broken.
Saluting you, dear classmate! On our first ever guided fishing trip, you taught my 6-year-old daughter how to kiss 'em and send 'em back, with the directive to "come back when you're all grown up." I don't know who had more fun on that trip--you, Sydney, her brothers, or me. Thanks, again, Charlie, for all those big-hearted things you did for so many.
You ended your life as a very special person Charlie, always the smile! We still enjoy a Charlie and Cheese. Now it’s a memory about you and your life, tell Benny hello. RIP bub!
Sending prayers to the entire Willett family.
Many good memories ! RIP Charlie
RIP ol buddy thoughts and prayers for all the family . Lots of memories of deer camps and running around . We're the best there will ever be , we're the class of 70 . Fly high