Charles Ray East

Charles Ray East, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed from this life at Hammond Nursing Home on Monday, August 3, 2020, at the age of 91. He was born in McComb, MS on June 6, 1929, the son of the late Robert (Slim) East and Brenice Jones East. The family later relocated to Ponchatoula, LA where he graduated from Ponchatoula High School. Charles was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and also served in World War II.

After his military service, Charles attended the University of Houston Pharmacy school on the GI Bill and joined the work force in Baton Rouge, LA.  In 1964, he relocated with his wife Gloria and children to McComb, MS where he began his career as a business owner of Sav-on-Drugs Inc. which served the community for the next 35 years.

He worked extremely hard in support of the community of McComb and Pike County and touched many lives through his participation in local events and civic organizations.

Charles was also an avid bicyclist; often seen training on local country roads, or even on cross country rides of several hundred or even thousands of miles.  He was a strong advocate of bicycle safety.

Charles is survived by his brother, Marion East of Hammond; sons, M David East and spouse Jacquelyn Stegner East of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and C Scott East and spouse Renee’ Guidry East of Tylertown, MS; grandchildren, Chloe East MaHaffey and spouse Stephen; Ariel East and partner Jordan Wallace of Houma, LA; step granddaughter, Mallori Andrus Siler and spouse Greg of Arlington, TN; step grandson, Brock Andrus and spouse Micaela of Summit; MS; Nicole Eija East of St. Louis, MO; Mark D East and spouse Stephanie of Springfield, MO; Erin Delrosario and spouse Robert of St. Louis; MO; Sara Hanes and spouse Mike of Valencia, CA; Kyle Orf and spouse Haylee of Dexter, MO; Zachary Stelly and spouse Anne-Marie of Algiers, LA ; Christian Stelly of Austin, TX; along with thirteen great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Maude, Richard, Ann, and Joy; his wife, Gloria Lee Fairbanks East and daughter, Sherri Lynn East Stelly.

Services will be held privately. Family and friends are encouraged to send condolences and share memories online.

Charles will be laid to rest in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

A guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

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