Major Charles Franklin Batson III, Retired, served his LORD and Savior faithfully, loved his family fiercely, led a cadre of peers both humbly and wisely, and fought valiantly until the end, when God called him homeward at the age of 74.

Charlie is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years (Cheryl "Cherry" Estes). Together, they built a life of adventure, filled with stories of faith. They shared times of heartache and hope, plus tales of enduring, unconditional, and sacrificial love. Charlie and Cherry were inseparable as they traveled the globe in service of their Country for 20 memorable years, courtesy of the US ARMY. From 1971-1991, they enjoyed two tours to Germany, extended one tour to Virginia, and endured two tours to Texas, before relocating to Colorado in 1991 and then finally, returning to his birthplace in Magnolia, Arkansas in 2001. He retired to Chapel Creek, the historic homestead of Charlie's maternal grandmother and he became a Hobby Farmer, FOX News watcher, bible scholar, a benevolent property manager, a do-it-yourselfer-cheaper, bargain hunter, and a collector of fine wares and worthless junk he considered priceless treasures!

The Batson's always made the best of any situation: sharing Paul's sentiment, "For I have learned whatever state I am, to be content." [Philippians 4:11] The two became one in 1970 and by 1978, The "5 C's" were complete, adding three children to their thriving family tree: number one daughter (Cathryn Geneva Pravoslavnov) in 1971; number two (Cassandra Renee) in 1974, [spouse Brett Mathew Avenriep]; and finally, the son, the namesake (Charles Franklin IV) in 1978 [spouse Amanda Kae Caldwell].

The three Batson children will tell you that their Dad was a strict disciplinarian, eager to give advice, prepared to give an answer to any question. He colorfully-told and peppered conversations with riveting stories from his youth - some stories were plausible - and quite possibly true! Charlie was always teaching valuable life lessons, whether he was training soldiers to disarm nuclear triggers, imparting wisdom and giving instructions to his children, leading church music or telling stories in Sunday School, he was equally gifted opining from a lectern, a ladder, or his Lazy Boy recliner. But he always lectured in love, with logic, and effectively used reverse psychology or clever sarcasm.

He studied music and psychology, and knew a little bit of lagniappe about everything! He could hold his own in any subject or contribute convincingly to any conversation with anyone! Charlie earned an undergraduate degree from Henderson State University and Masters from Ouachita Baptist University. His capstone project for his Masters' thesis was the Psychological Basis of Hypnosis. Cathryn, Cassandra, and Charles still insist their Dad practiced his theories and techniques on them during the defiant teenage years! Charlie was protective of his kids and set high expectations for them. He was level-headed, well-studied, highly-prudent, had a quick-wit with nerves of steel and a heart of gold.

"Poppy" was exceptionally proud of his six grandchildren, (Charles Franklin V, Kaelyn Cheryl, Anton Vladimirovich, Grayson James, Olivia Faith, and William Rowland.) He encouraged them to pursue excellence in all things. Charlie prized education, music, travel, the arts, and joyfully marveled in their shared experiences and achievements. He instilled a love for learning in his grands, teaching them how to solve their own problems, how to save money, how to give, how to live, and how to love. He was notorious for reaching into his wallet and sharing a little "walk-around money" but cautioned about "living high on the hog."

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents (Charles F. "Doc" Batson, Jr. and Juanita "Nita" Francis of Hope, AR.); an uncle (Richard "Dick" Rowland of Arkadelphia, AR.); an aunt (Mary Betty Hoseman of Vicksburg, MS.); and a brother-in-love, (Dwayne Truman Arrington, of Bryant, AR.) Additionally, Charlie was deeply connected to his family roots, including his dearest sister (Rachel Arrington of Bryant, AR), beloved uncle (William Knox Andress of Shreveport, LA), and best friend and first-cousin (Charles "Sonny" Agar of Arkadelphia, AR).

Surviving nieces, nephews, and precious extended family stretching across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida are a part of Charlie's living legacy, image-bearers of long-lasting heritage of following Jesus, serving others, giving generously, sacrificing daily, loving this nation, respecting authority, fighting injustice, defending the truth, and becoming more like the Father with each passing day, this side of the veil, until eternity calls.