Charles McElroy

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF REV. CHARLES MCELROY

The journey of life for Charles McElroy began on December 7, 1955 to Zelmer and Margaree Galbert McElroy in Camden, Arkansas.

He accepted Christ at an early age. He was a 1972 graduate of Hampton High School and earned an associate degree in computer technology from SAU Tech in East Camden. Charles possessed a strong work ethic and worked as a Lean Coordinator with International Paper, and as a material planner with the Atlantic Research Corporation now, Aerojet.

He answered his call to preach and was called to pastor Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. His pastorate included Whitest Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (1992-1996), he served as the former associate minister at St. Paul Christian Church in Camden, as well as, New Generation Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. A man who was no stranger to hard work, he created opportunities for himself. He was a known writer and author who published “Refuge from the Stormy Blast” which was premiered on Amazon.com.

Charles married Brenda S. Bledsoe on December 30, 2009, and together they had a full blended family of fourteen children, twenty-eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He loved basketball and listening music.

His greatest pastime was reading God’s word. He would spend countless hours reading and studying the scripture; often times all day and all night. He intentionally prayed and ministered. He believed that the gospel should go beyond the walls of the church. He was the founder of C. McElroy Ministries and offered an on-line ministry for years. He loved to spread the “good news”, enjoyed a good meal and shared prophetic word with anyone who was willing to listen.  He truly never met a stranger and was literally a walking bible. 

His pilgrimage was modest, but full and fulfilling. Charles, did it God’s way.  His independent spirit, iron will and strong character will never be duplicated, but leaves an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey.

On Saturday, May 30, 2020, our beloved Charles went home. “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).  A life well lived and a death worth dying.

Lasting memories will live on in the hearts his wife, Brenda McElroy of Arkadelphia; his children, Victor Thrist of Camden, Lemuel McElroy of Texas, Chris McElroy and CoKeisha McElroy both of Hot Springs, Chandra Garrison of Arkadelphia, Reuben E. (Kesha) Bledsoe, Jr., of Little Rock, Kevin Bledsoe of Pine Bluff, Tineska (Roger) Perry of Arkadelphia, Robert (Portia) Blevins of Atlanta, GA, Sheddrick Blevins of Arkadelphia, William (Hannah) Bledsoe of Hot Springs, Bre’Asia Bledsoe of Arkadelphia, Reshawn and Keshawn Bledsoe both of Malvern;  four sisters, Mary Ann Moore, Shelvas Anne (Ray Charles) Green and Brenda McElroy all of Camden and Barbara (Donnie) Newson of Kingwood, TX; two brothers, Donald Ray (Selma) Green and Zelmer (Sharon) McElroy, Jr., both of Camden; 28 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a special nephew, Broderick McElroy of Ruston, LA. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins his close friend, Donald Ray “Pookie” Green and numerous friends.

Visitation in Arkadelphia will be from 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Friday, June 5, 2020 Williams Funeral Home Arkadelphia with visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren. Due to the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic and the directives from the Governor's Office Sate of Arkansas please do not linger. Please pay your respects and leave so others may have the chance to enter the funeral home.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Bishop Chester Thompson, eulogist. Social distancing is encouraged. Interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Williams Funeral Home Van Buren.           

Honorary pallbearers will be Victor Thrist, Lemuel McElroy, Chris McElroy, Broderick McElroy, Reuben E. Bledsoe, Jr., Kevin Bledsoe, Roger Perry, Robert Blevins, Sheddrick Blevins, William Bledsoe, Reshawn Bledsoe, Keshawn Bledsoe, Ray Charles Green, Donnie Newson Donald Ray Green Selmer McElroy, Jr., and Donald Ray “Pookie” Green.