Charles Ray "Blackie" Lightfoot 1936 - 2008

Until I read his obituary, I didn't know that Uncle Blackie's real first name was Charles. Everybody just called him Uncle Blackie, and that's how I always knew him.

Anyway, Lori's uncle put up a courageous three-year fight against cancer, but that fight is now over. Blackie's obituary ran on the Montgomery County Courier's website, but since I don't know how long it will be available there, and because I've begun to make it a tradition of preserving obituaries of both my and Lori's family members here:

Charles Ray “Blackie” Lightfoot lost his three-year battle with cancer on July 25, 2008.

Blackie was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on August 13, 1936, to Iris Faye and William “Earl” Lightfoot.

He is preceded in death by his mother Iris, his father Earl, his brothers Steven and Jerry Lightfoot, his beloved sister-in-law Cindy Stevens and, lastly, his son and fishing and hunting buddy Tony Glenn Lightfoot. Also, we can’t fail to mention his dearly beloved furry family members Precious, Two-Two, Whiskey and almost grandson, Beau-Beau.

Blackie proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. The greatest love of his life was his family, which also included the infinite number of friends that Blackie counted as family. His passion was hunting and fishing. Blackie was lucky in that he was able to combine the two and make it his livelihood. He was a Turbine Engineer for Worthington for many years, but, then, decided to follow his love of the great outdoors, and became a fishing guide.

In 1986, he was hired by Whopper Stopper Lures as their traveling Ambassador. From there, he started working as Fishing Ambassador for Pradco Lures. He also co-hosted many episodes of Honey Hole All Outdoors. Blackie had countless articles written about his fishing and hunting expertise. He was nominated three times for the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife of more than 22 years and love of his life, Lorena. He is also survived by his son “Chuck” Lightfoot and wife Peggy of Pasadena; daughter Selina Bellar and her husband Norman, also of Pasadena; and son Mark Lightfoot and wife Laura of Montgomery. He is also survived by his brother Mike Lightfoot and wife Loretta, his sister Sandy Beck and sister Marinell Belden and husband Jack, also his sister by heart Lois Hesser. He is also survived by countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews who he especially adored. Blackie also had many friends that he loved “like a brother.”

Services for Blackie will be held at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, located at 3947 Old 105 W. in Conroe, Texas, as follows: 2 p.m. - visitation for family and friends (refreshments provided) and 7 p.m. - memorial service.

Needless to say, this has not been a very easy few months for Lori's family; the fact that Blackie's death was "expected," so to speak, does not make it any easier. Uncle Blackie was a great guy whom I unfortunately didn't get to spend enough time with; he will be missed.