Charles “Charley” William Caldwell, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on November 15, 2023. A celebration of life will take place after the holidays.
Born on November 10, 1944, to Robert Walker Caldwell and Eula Beth Locke, Charley spent most of his life on his family farm in the Kurten/Tabor area. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1963, and like a true, proud, fighting Texas Aggie, he received his marketing degree from Texas A&M University in 1967. Charley worked for Red Oak Sportswear/CC Creations for almost twenty years and was a member of Alexander United Methodist Church.
Charley was a sports enthusiast. He coached the “Blazers,” a women’s slow-pitch softball team, for approximately 10 years, leading them to several National tournaments. He was instrumental in starting the first local girls fastpitch ASA league in Bryan. He also umpired softball, where he was always known to be fair and consistent. While his daughters were not fans of the times he was behind the plate on one of their games, everyone else requested him. He loved watching sports, especially when he was able to take one of his grandchildren to an A&M game. He enjoyed playing golf with his wife for many years and never missed watching The Masters. He loved his family farm, raising cattle, and riding his ATV. Charley and Gaye along with their two dogs enjoyed many adventures traveling in their RV. He also loved spending time with his family and was a well-known member of his community. Charley didn’t mince words, always spoke his mind, and was loved and respected.
Charley was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert “Bobby” Caldwell Jr., and his daughter, Cecilia “CeCe” Benningfield.
Charley is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Gaye Williams Caldwell; sister, Elizabeth Kinder (Casey); daughters, Kelley McKethan (Derrick), Jodie Cole (Mike Benites); grandchildren, Tanner Holley (Lizzie), Kelsey Cole, Ethan Benningfield (Grace), Sherry Benningfield, Cassidy Benningfield, Brody Benites, Isaiah Benningfield, Taylor McKethan and Cooper McKethan; and, two, soon to be three great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Although his family will miss him greatly each and every day, they will always know how blessed they were and how enriched their lives were by his presence.
