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Charles Estes Correll, Sr., 85, was born on June 23, 1929 at Delta, Kentucky in Wayne County Kentucky with the family moving to Somerset, Kentucky in a horse-drawn wagon on April 5, 1930. Charles completed his earthly journey and went home to be with Jesus on June 1, 2015, after a short illness, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Charles was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University in the early 1950’s and a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, Texas, earning a Master of Divinity degree in the mid 1950’s. After graduation from seminary, Charles returned to his home in Somerset, Kentucky and pursued his calling as a Christian minister and evangelist, holding revivals in churches and tent crusades around and beyond the region. He had a local radio broadcast ministry on WTLO, performing weekly services. Charles was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Mt. Victory in the early 1960’s.
He later became owner and funeral director of the local Denny, Murrell, Correll Funeral Home which operated until the late 1960’s. During his mid and later years, Charles was an entrepreneur and businessman, owning a local restaurant, service station and car wash. He also sold real-estate and assisted in the development and sales of local subdivisions.
However, Charles Estes Correll, Sr. did not consider his entrepreneur skills as the pinnacle of his greatest success and accomplishment. Rather, he frequently voiced throughout his life that the privilege of leading many people to Christ, having Jesus as their personal savior, to be his highest life accomplishment. Charles was frequently heard saying, “I’ve got my ticket to heaven!” He never missed an opportunity to share Jesus’ love with anyone he met; whether he was pumping gas at his station, patronizing a restaurant or in a medical clinic’s crowded waiting room; he delighted in sharing his faith. Whoever he encountered he would ask, “Do you have your ticket to heaven?”
Survivors include his former wife and mother of his two sons, Jean Correll of Somerset, Kentucky who was a lifetime friend and caretaker during his later years. Also left behind are two sons, his eldest son, Charles E. Correll, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth, along with their three daughters Sarah; Amy all of Somerset; and Katherine Correll of Newport, Kentucky. Also surviving is his youngest son, Joseph Correll and his wife Brenda, along with their three children, Taylor; Madison; and Jordan all of Somerset. Charles Este Correll, Sr., was a loving father and grandfather who always had candy and special treats ready for visits from his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Popeye.”
Other survivors include four brothers and one sister: Blaine Correll, Ward Correll, Mildred Correll- Brainard, Richard Correll, all of Somerset Kentucky and Rev. Wendell Correll, of Lancaster, Kentucky.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Charlie Correll and Clora Hammond-Correll of Somerset, Kentucky and five brothers and three sisters: Beulah Correll-Farley, William Wayne Correll, Charlcie Correll-Carlson, Ray Correll, Carol Correll, James Correll, and Kaye Lautieri-Correll.
Charles E Correll, Sr., was a member of First Baptist Church, Somerset, Kentucky.
A Homecoming Celebration Service will be held at the Southern Oaks Funeral Home in Somerset, Kentucky on Thursday, June 4, 2015.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Gideons International.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.