Obituary of Charles Edward Droddy

October 12, 1933 - June 17, 2025

After 91 years of a truly blessed life, Charles Edward Droddy died today, 17 June 2025, at Harbor Hospice, Jasper TX.

Funeral service will be 10 am Friday, June 20, 2025 at Central Baptist Church in Kirbyville with burial at oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home.

Born on 12 Oct 1933 to Vivian Smith and Lexie Droddy, he grew up in Call, TX and graduated from Kirbyville High School in 1950. Charles attended Lamar College of Technology for two years before going to work for Sun Oil Company as a surveyor on seismograph crews (petroleum exploration) in 1952 and worked for Sun Oil until 1961. “Charlie” as his coworkers called him, reported to work at Goodyear Chemical Plant on September 6, 1961. Starting in the Production Department, he soon transferred to the Maintenance and Engineering department where the company found where his true talent laid. He could fix almost anything. Charles retired from Goodyear Chemical in 1997 after 36 years of employment.

He was a “Man of His Word” who lived his faith daily, treating everyone with respect and kindness. Serving God was his priority and he did so in his secular job, his service in and through the church, and with devotion to his family. It was his fervent desire that all his children and their children would come to know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and have a close relationship with God. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, Kirbyville, where he served as Deacon.

A farmer at heart, Charles loved to see things grow. Year after year there was always a garden on his land. He was the proud owner and operator of Rudolph’s Pasture Christmas Tree Farm, in Kirbyville 1983–2001. He enjoyed studying the Bible, teaching others about the limitless Grace of God, fishing, playing 42 dominos, growing enough food to feed his family and others, and researching his family’s genealogy.

Preceded in death by wife: Sue Nette Mitchell Droddy, daughters; Debra Sue Droddy Stutts and Laura Marie Droddy Bernard: parents Lexie and Vivian Droddy: sister, Tressie Mae Droddy McClure; brothers, Carrol Gene Droddy and Clarence Alton Droddy.

Survived by: wife, Mary Dell Harrison Droddy: sons, James E. Droddy of Seward, Alaska, Michael C, Droddy (w. Donna) of Vidor and daughter, Pamela Grace Droddy Walker (h. Michael) of Kirbyville, stepchildren; Bryan Craig Lynch (w. Sheryll) of Kirbyville and Pam Lynch of San Marcos: grandchildren, James Michael Droddy (w Jessica), Jamie Elizabeth Droddy, Mandi Marie Droddy Cuevas (h. Marc), Kenneth James Droddy, Aisha Bouziane, Annette Louise Droddy Crider (h. Trevor), Asa Charles Droddy (w. Claudia) and Jenna Sue Walker; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

This devoted husband, loving father, and vastly loyal friend will be missed.