of Helena, AR
June 24, 1928 - July 11, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Ernest Sibley announces his death after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on June 24, 1928 to Ernest Abram and Jessie Whiteside Sibley and died July 11, 2020 at the age of 92. He was raised in Memphis, TN with his two sisters, Kathryn Amelia and Mary Ann.
Charles married his Messick High School sweetheart, Doris Ann Williams, in 1949. He was drafted in 1951 by the Army to protect the Panama Canal Zone in the Korean War. Upon his return, he completed his education at Memphis State University and made lifelong friends with members of the Kappa Alpha Order. He worked for J.E. Dilworth Company calling on industries in the Arkansas, Mississippi area. In 1955 he moved to Helena, Arkansas where he established his family and business.
Charles was always the consummate entrepreneur. From selling vegetables, rabbits and newspapers as a child to founding Sibley Supply Company in Helena, he was a salesman at heart. As a strong supporter of the public school system, he served on the school board for many years. Charles was one of the oldest active members of Helena Rotary International Club serving as its president in 1966. He was recognized as 'Citizen of the Year' by the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce. He also enjoyed serving on the Phillips County Port Authority. The First United Methodist Church of Helena was his church home. Charles was a faithful and active member throughout the years.
All who knew Charles, knew that he was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He loved hunting and fishing in Arkansas and Mississippi, as well as Colorado and British Columbia achieving the coveted Grand Slam of North American Sheep, as well as Grand Slam of Turkeys. He was a founding member of the Jackson Point Hunting Club. His legacy lives on with his trophies shared among his children and grandchildren.
Above all, Charles was the ultimate family man. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. With 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, he attended more than his fair share of dance and piano recitals, baseball, basketball and football games, school and church plays, drove multiple generations of children to school each day and taught many to hunt, fish and water ski. He led by example, was always busy fixing things, believed in hard work, was a man of his word, showed much kindness to others, was quick to hug & kiss his favorite ladies, had a hardy laugh and loved a good joke. He leaves many great memories for his family and friends. We love you Papa!
He was proceeded in death by his father, mother and sister, Kathryn.
Charles is survived by his wife Doris Ann Williams, children Cathy Sibley Campbell (Rick) of Helena, Arkansas, Charles Ernest Sibley Jr. (Cindy) of Helena, Arkansas, Lea Sibley Nugent (Greg) of Lexington, Kentucky and sister Mary Ann Morriss of Staunton, Virginia. Grandchildren include Jenny Campbell (Lucas) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Dorry Lea Davis (Darren) of Rogers, Arkansas, Turner Sibley (Caitlyn) of Conway, Arkansas, Callie Phillips (Matt) of Helena, Arkansas, Ian Campbell (Sophie) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Allison Geisler (Tyler) of Olathe, Kansas, Alex Nugent of Charlotte, North Carolina and Elizabeth Nugent of Washington, DC. Great-grandchildren include Abbi, Kylie, Khloe, Beck, Jaylin, Darian Lea, Sophie Cait, Jase, Beau Charles, Maverick and Liam.
The family would like to thank his caregivers from Crestpark Nursing Home and Patient's Choice Hospice for the kindness shown to Charles during his illness.
Due to the pandemic, a small family service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Helena on Friday, July 17, 2020 followed by his burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made in his honor to:
First United Methodist Church 502 Porter Street, Helena, Arkansas 72342
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18 Condolence(s)
Norman Rowan
Friday, July 31, 2020
Cathy and Ernie,
My condolences to you and your family. I'm sorry for your loss. Mr. Sibley was a great man.
Norman and Donna Rowan
Philly Rains
Friday, July 24, 2020
Mr. Sibley was one of the nicest neighbors we had, when I was growing up, and I looked up to him...even as an adult. A fine man.
Sending prayers for comfort and peace to Mrs. Doris, and all her family.
Amanda Coon Karber
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Ms. Cathy, my prayers are with you and your family. May our Lord's comfort and grace be with you.
Rodney Laureles
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
sorry to hear that Mr.Sibley has passed its been many years since ive seen him but played ball with his son an have alot memories of going to his store to get things he was always helpful an nice may he rest in peace an prayers sent to family. Sincerely Rodney Laureles
James Finley
Monday, July 20, 2020
My deepest condolences.
John and Carolyn Pittman
Monday, July 20, 2020
So sorry. We love all of you and the blessings all the Sibleys have been to us.
John and Carolyn Pittman
Howard White
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Sorry to hear about Mr. Sibley. Always looked forward to seeing him at his store. Great man. Condolences to Ernie and family
Laura Beal Middlekauff
Sunday, July 19, 2020
To the Sibley family - I’m sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of when my family, the Beals, lived in Helena when my Dad was pastor there. You are in my prayers for strength and comfort.
Love to you,
Laura Beal Middlekauff
DALE BROWN
Friday, July 17, 2020
Pam and I are so sorry to hear your family’s loss. MR. Sibley was one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure to call a friend and have as an employer as a young man. He was kind, honest and a people person. I will miss him dearly. May the Lord comfort the family during this time.
Martin B. Faulkner
Friday, July 17, 2020
Miss Doris , Cathy , Ernie and Lea -
Wanted y’all to know that Mr. Charlie was one of the Nicest
Helena Dad’s that I grew around as a childhood friend of Ernie .. Just so fortunate to have had him in my life as a young man in Helena ..
Marty Faulkner
Janie scaife
Friday, July 17, 2020
So sorry for Your loss, thinking of all of y’all at this sad time.
Fred S Whistle
Friday, July 17, 2020
Ernie, So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was one of my Dad's favorite people in Helena.
karen m lavender
Friday, July 17, 2020
Carvill and I am so very sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for your family during this very difficult time.
Missy Ishmael
Thursday, July 16, 2020
To the Sibley family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
David and Sue White
Thursday, July 16, 2020
David and I, along with Joe and Rhonda Davidson send our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Lynette Burt Murphy
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Cathy, Mrs. Sibley, and family:
I am so sorry to see the loss of Mr. Sibley. What a dear and kind person he was with such a sweet spirit. My thoughts, prayers and love are with each of you.
Rebecca Johnston
Thursday, July 16, 2020
I am so sadden by the loss of Papa. His hugs were some of my favorites. My thoughts and prayers are with each of your during this time, especially Doris.
Missy Howe
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Dear Sibley Family, What a sweet man your Mr. Charlie was!!! What a pleasure it was living next door to Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Doris when we moved to Helena. Best neighbors!!! We are so happy for Mr Charlie, knowing that he is no longer sick and is in Heaven. You all remain in our prayers. Love, Bill and Missy