of Austin, AR
May 17, 1937 - December 1, 2019
Charles ''C.M.'' Gatrell, age 82, of Austin went to be with the Lord Sunday, December 1, 2019. He was born May 17, 1937 in Little Rock to the late Charles Marvin Gatrell, Sr. and Velma Holder Gatrell. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother, Marion; sisters, Madeline and Wilma D.; son, Robert; daughter-in-law, Kim; and his wife of 57 years, Louise.
Charles served in the United States Army as a radio operator in Korea after being drafted. He drove a semi-truck for 65 years, starting his career delivering Falstaff Beer. He had a love for the open road and a love for books. He never met a stranger and was known in the trucking community as ''Toothpick.''
He was a loving father, husband, and friend. He would give someone his last dollar, or the shirt off his back, even if he went without. He was very devoted to his grandchildren, taking time every week to see them. No man will ever fill his shoes. He will truly be missed by any that knew him. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix, except the hole that now resides for those of us who loved him most.
He is survived by his daughter, Jaime Morgan of Austin; son, Charles Gatrell of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Charles Nick Gatrell (Hannah), Brandan Gatrell, Daniel Gatrell, Todd Gatrell, and Jacob Morgan; great-grandchildren, Aaron and Kelsey Gatrell; and best friend, Bobby Hewitt.
A time of visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home (315-0700) 6700 Alcoa Rd. Benton, Arkansas.
Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2019 in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home officiated by Freddy Sicking. Serving as pallbearers are Louie Jenkins, Brandan Gatrell, Charles Nicholas Gatrell, Charles Sicking, Dale Nichols, and Zachary Sicking. Interment with military honors will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
Daddy, you left a hole in my heart I won’t be able to fill. Not a day, a minute, or second goes by that I won’t grieve & mourn for you. What you instilled in me, I will pass down to the other generations when I’m older. I know you’re having the time of your life being with momma at last, all your other family & friends who have passed, & not feeling any more pain. I am glad God chose you as my daddy. Love you always!
Signed, daddy’s girl
All the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
May the peace of Christ be with all.
Charles, Jamie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Shawn
Sorry for your loss. I cared a lot about Toothpick!! He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss praying fir the family
So for your loss. Keeping your family in my prayers!