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Charles T. Gholson, 79, passed away on July 26, 2026. Born October 1, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Charles was a resident of Benton and leaves a legacy of steady devotion, hard work, and compassion that touched countless lives through decades of faithful service.
For 55 years, Charles served as a dual licensed Funeral Director. A top graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, he was especially proud to have used his G.I. Bill to pursue his education and build a career devoted to serving others. In 2025 he was recognized as the oldest working dual licensed Funeral Director in Louisiana. He faithfully served as Location and General Manager of Hill Crest before advancing to the roles of Area General Manager for Hill Crest and Centuries Funeral Homes. He then became Market Manager covering North Louisiana and Northwest Arkansas. Charles then came back to Hill Crest as the General Manager, and later was the President of Hill Crest and Centuries, where he continued to mentor others and helped shape the future of the funeral industry.
Though awards were “too numerous to mention,” he was quick to redirect any praise to the team he built—professionals he sought out for their passion, then trained from day one with clear standards, integrity, and care. Dubbed “The Rainmaker,” Charles was known for making things happen, not for personal credit, but for the good of the families and communities he served. In every setting, there was no stranger; he loved, served, and forgave—always. He also served as a Founding Board Member of the Pine Oil & Gas Museum in Oil City.
Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, serving on active duty with Europe command center in Heidelberg, Germany. He was appointed with a top security clearance, with an IQ of 162, as Cryptographer / Assistant Trick Chief, attaining the rank of Sergeant with accommodations. His military service and return to civilian life shaped a deep commitment to honoring those who did not return. Veteran’s affairs and homeless non-attended services spurred him forward into funeral service, where he dedicated himself to ensuring dignity, remembrance, and proper honors. A goal especially close to his heart was bringing the Vietnam Wall to Bossier City—a victory that moved him to tears for days upon its completion. He supported and valued Lt. Johnnie Estess and the Bossier Parish Posse, funeral escorts, Louis and Glenda McGinty and the Patriot Guard Riders, and proper flag presentation, and Charles served as a Deputy to Bossier Parish.
Outside of work, Charles lived with discipline and enthusiasm. He began weightlifting in 1983, inspired by Bob Moore, and the gym became a second home—where friendships were forged and many conversations turned into meaningful opportunities. He could regularly bench 350, a testament to the determination he carried into every part of life. Some great moments for Charles was having the opportunity to meet Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and many other champion racehorses. He had a lifelong appreciation for the sport and its history.
He loved the outdoors, especially bass fishing on Caddo or any lake where he could find hidden spots and, often, the biggest fish. In 1994, he set a record with a 10.16 catch—the largest for Caddo. Duck hunting also held a cherished place in his life, returning to the same blind for over 70 years. He blew the call and “they would land,” and those early 3 A.M. wakeups became treasured bonding time with chosen friends and his nephews.
Charles’s compassion was perhaps most visible in the quiet ways he cared for others. He was “PawPaw” to hundreds of strays and ferals his wife would find, greeting each new arrival with a familiar refrain: “Full house, BUT we will tame it with patience and love, yes Baby, bring it home.” In the same spirit, he and his household fed anything that showed up—people, critters, and those without a place to go. He was a silent Santa to many families, giving without fanfare and loving without limits.
A devoted man of faith, Charles served his Savior by living what he believed to be the greatest commandment: to love. He read the Bible cover to cover more than five times, quoted scripture often, and made no decisions—professional or personal—without prayer. He lived with purpose and without regret, guided by faith and looking toward heaven.
Charles is survived by his wife of 27 years, Brenda (Brenna) Petricko; sister, Linda Joyce Gholson Brown; nephews, Billy Brown (Betty), Ray Brown, Matthew Brown (Kristen), and Jacob Brown; niece, Karin Smith; mother-in-law, Bette Petricko; brothers-in-law, Robert Petricko and Will Petricko (Russ Haggerty); chosen nephews, Brett Wall (Sara) and Jarett Wall (Cati); cousin, Bobby Gholson (Kathy); his “work son”, Danny Garris; his “work daughters”, Kelly and Kim and his Family, the teams at Hill Crest and Centuries.
Charles was preceded in death by his father, James Warren Gholson; his mother, Dot (Foster) Gholson; his brothers, Robert Wayne Wilmoth (Diane), M.E. “Sparky” Wilmoth (Jo Ann), and Jimmy Gholson (Evelyn); his brother-in-law, Bill Brown; his aunts, Mary Trustee (Slim), Emma Lee Gholson, and Bessie Gholson; and his cousin, John Samuel Gholson.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Haughton, 105 E Washington Ave. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location beginning at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Brad Franklin, Pastor of Benton Methodist Church and assisted by Rev. David Dietzel. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Benton Methodist Church Building Fund and Community Cat Assistance Project (CCAP), Shv/Bossier.
The family extends special thanks to the Benton Fire Department and Bossier Sheriff’s office for their dedication of service to the community. Special thanks also to his work family at Hill Crest, especially Vicki Woodall, Donna Valentine, Kim Stoner, Kelly Owens, and Robby Shaffer, as well as Ricky Rowell and the team at Centuries. Also to his leadership team, Bubba Brasseaux, Russell Moore, Bruce Goddard, and Steve Mack, for whom he held the utmost respect. The family also acknowledges his best friend, Greg Barnard (never off duty), and Tim Bodden.
The family is grateful for the dedicated providers through the VA, including PCP Rupal Gamble, Deborah Johnson, and the dedicated servant leadership of Richard Crockett. The VA provided through the Community Care Program, Dr. Harleen Kaur; PT Aaron Hunt; Dr. Elizabeth Clemons; Dr. Stewart Bundrick; and Dr. Dan Martin, for treating Charles with dignity and kindness. The family also recognizes the numerous lifelong friends from his childhood in Vivian—where Charles would say it was like Mayberry growing up there. Lastly, Charles would give thanks to his Savior for salvation and his new body.
For 55 years, Charles served as a dual licensed Funeral Director. A top graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, he was especially proud to have used his G.I. Bill to pursue his education and build a career devoted to serving others. In 2025 he was recognized as the oldest working dual licensed Funeral Director in Louisiana. He faithfully served as Location and General Manager of Hill Crest before advancing to the roles of Area General Manager for Hill Crest and Centuries Funeral Homes. He then became Market Manager covering North Louisiana and Northwest Arkansas. Charles then came back to Hill Crest as the General Manager, and later was the President of Hill Crest and Centuries, where he continued to mentor others and helped shape the future of the funeral industry.
Though awards were “too numerous to mention,” he was quick to redirect any praise to the team he built—professionals he sought out for their passion, then trained from day one with clear standards, integrity, and care. Dubbed “The Rainmaker,” Charles was known for making things happen, not for personal credit, but for the good of the families and communities he served. In every setting, there was no stranger; he loved, served, and forgave—always. He also served as a Founding Board Member of the Pine Oil & Gas Museum in Oil City.
Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, serving on active duty with Europe command center in Heidelberg, Germany. He was appointed with a top security clearance, with an IQ of 162, as Cryptographer / Assistant Trick Chief, attaining the rank of Sergeant with accommodations. His military service and return to civilian life shaped a deep commitment to honoring those who did not return. Veteran’s affairs and homeless non-attended services spurred him forward into funeral service, where he dedicated himself to ensuring dignity, remembrance, and proper honors. A goal especially close to his heart was bringing the Vietnam Wall to Bossier City—a victory that moved him to tears for days upon its completion. He supported and valued Lt. Johnnie Estess and the Bossier Parish Posse, funeral escorts, Louis and Glenda McGinty and the Patriot Guard Riders, and proper flag presentation, and Charles served as a Deputy to Bossier Parish.
Outside of work, Charles lived with discipline and enthusiasm. He began weightlifting in 1983, inspired by Bob Moore, and the gym became a second home—where friendships were forged and many conversations turned into meaningful opportunities. He could regularly bench 350, a testament to the determination he carried into every part of life. Some great moments for Charles was having the opportunity to meet Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and many other champion racehorses. He had a lifelong appreciation for the sport and its history.
He loved the outdoors, especially bass fishing on Caddo or any lake where he could find hidden spots and, often, the biggest fish. In 1994, he set a record with a 10.16 catch—the largest for Caddo. Duck hunting also held a cherished place in his life, returning to the same blind for over 70 years. He blew the call and “they would land,” and those early 3 A.M. wakeups became treasured bonding time with chosen friends and his nephews.
Charles’s compassion was perhaps most visible in the quiet ways he cared for others. He was “PawPaw” to hundreds of strays and ferals his wife would find, greeting each new arrival with a familiar refrain: “Full house, BUT we will tame it with patience and love, yes Baby, bring it home.” In the same spirit, he and his household fed anything that showed up—people, critters, and those without a place to go. He was a silent Santa to many families, giving without fanfare and loving without limits.
A devoted man of faith, Charles served his Savior by living what he believed to be the greatest commandment: to love. He read the Bible cover to cover more than five times, quoted scripture often, and made no decisions—professional or personal—without prayer. He lived with purpose and without regret, guided by faith and looking toward heaven.
Charles is survived by his wife of 27 years, Brenda (Brenna) Petricko; sister, Linda Joyce Gholson Brown; nephews, Billy Brown (Betty), Ray Brown, Matthew Brown (Kristen), and Jacob Brown; niece, Karin Smith; mother-in-law, Bette Petricko; brothers-in-law, Robert Petricko and Will Petricko (Russ Haggerty); chosen nephews, Brett Wall (Sara) and Jarett Wall (Cati); cousin, Bobby Gholson (Kathy); his “work son”, Danny Garris; his “work daughters”, Kelly and Kim and his Family, the teams at Hill Crest and Centuries.
Charles was preceded in death by his father, James Warren Gholson; his mother, Dot (Foster) Gholson; his brothers, Robert Wayne Wilmoth (Diane), M.E. “Sparky” Wilmoth (Jo Ann), and Jimmy Gholson (Evelyn); his brother-in-law, Bill Brown; his aunts, Mary Trustee (Slim), Emma Lee Gholson, and Bessie Gholson; and his cousin, John Samuel Gholson.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Haughton, 105 E Washington Ave. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location beginning at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Brad Franklin, Pastor of Benton Methodist Church and assisted by Rev. David Dietzel. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Benton Methodist Church Building Fund and Community Cat Assistance Project (CCAP), Shv/Bossier.
The family extends special thanks to the Benton Fire Department and Bossier Sheriff’s office for their dedication of service to the community. Special thanks also to his work family at Hill Crest, especially Vicki Woodall, Donna Valentine, Kim Stoner, Kelly Owens, and Robby Shaffer, as well as Ricky Rowell and the team at Centuries. Also to his leadership team, Bubba Brasseaux, Russell Moore, Bruce Goddard, and Steve Mack, for whom he held the utmost respect. The family also acknowledges his best friend, Greg Barnard (never off duty), and Tim Bodden.
The family is grateful for the dedicated providers through the VA, including PCP Rupal Gamble, Deborah Johnson, and the dedicated servant leadership of Richard Crockett. The VA provided through the Community Care Program, Dr. Harleen Kaur; PT Aaron Hunt; Dr. Elizabeth Clemons; Dr. Stewart Bundrick; and Dr. Dan Martin, for treating Charles with dignity and kindness. The family also recognizes the numerous lifelong friends from his childhood in Vivian—where Charles would say it was like Mayberry growing up there. Lastly, Charles would give thanks to his Savior for salvation and his new body.