Charles Ray Lemell Sr passed away on December 9th, 2016 at
the age of 73, after a brief illness at Mid Hudson Regional Hospital.
Charles was born on May 9th 1943 in Welsh Louisiana to the late Fred Lemell Sr, and the late Tommie (Lemell) Prudhomme, he was one of 18 children; Peggy Lemell Keys, Lear a Kauffman, Glenda P. Woods, Russell Prudhomme Jr., Debra Lemell, Fred Lemell Jr., Connie Marie Prudhomme, Cathy Lemell Cole, Bobby Prudhomme, Cynthia Prudhomme, Debbie (Darrell) Zeno, Madlyn Prudhomme, and Danny Peck, preceded in death by siblings: Gloria Jean Lemell, Shelia Traylor, Sharon Pete Love, and Jerry Prudhomme Sr.
Charles graduated from Bethune High School in 1961. He immediately joined the armed services and traveled extensively where he became fluent in Italian and Japanese. Charles also served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class. He continued to serve his country by enrolling in the Air Force in August 1985 and was honorably discharged in December 1994 as a Sergeant in the Air Force and Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves.
Outside of his military career Charles held various occupations at the National Urban League, CBS records, and IBM. He held these positions while furthering his education with honors Essex Community College, Dutchess Community College, and DeVry University for engineering. Ending his active employment, Charles and long-time best friend Craig Smith, established and owned a successful trucking transport LLC.
Charles was an avid music enthusiast and videographer. He had a love for cooking and baking from scratch. Boating and riding his motorcycle was also a passion Charles enjoyed. Other interests included playing cards, family gatherings, classic westerns, sporting events, traveling and reminiscing about the good old days. Charles was also dance like no one was watching!!!
Charles leaves behind to mourn his loving life of 38 years, Sandy Lemell, as well as three loving children Tazsa Lemell-Richardson, Rashaan Lemell and CJ Lemell.
With loving instruction and a warm heart Charles leaves behind his grandchildren: Ameer, Rakim, Anthony, Jahlil, Donte and Alyssia, which he has helped to guide and raise through his provision of direction and advice. Additionally, Charles is survived by a large family of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws and friends.
