Deacon Kenneth Ray Charles, Sr. 64, of Jennings, Louisiana entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 19, 2025.  Kenneth was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on June 19, 1960, to the late Leonard Charles and Ira Bell Jones-Charles.  He was baptized at an early age at Mount Triumph Baptist Church in Jennings, LA by the late J. Peterson and later moved his membership to Union Baptist Church of Jennings, LA., pastored by Reverend Gerald W. Perkins, Sr.  Kenneth was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon.

Kenneth was a 1978 graduate of Jennings High School and was a member of the Varsity Basketball Team.  He later attended Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge and earned an Associate Degree in Business.  On June 16, 1985, Kenneth married the love of his life, Lisa S. Charles and remained faithful until the time of his passing.  To their union, two children were born, Kenneth Jr. and Alisa.  Kenneth was an avid photographer, sports fan, and a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys.  He was the sports announcer for the Jennings High School Basketball Team and held a life-time pass to sporting events in Jefferson Davis Parish.

Kenneth was previously employed with the City of Jennings Water Department and retired after 25-years of service.  He was currently employed with the Jefferson Davis Electric Co-Op as a Dispatcher.  Kenneth loved his family, his church, and pastor.

Kenneth leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 39-years, Lisa S. Charles of Jennings, LA; his children, Kenneth Ray Charles, Jr. and Alisa Charles, both of Jennings, LA; his brothers, Arnold Charles of Jennings, LA., John Charles, Sr. (Chandra) of Killeen, TX; his sister, Anita Simeon (Tony) of Lake Charles, LA; his grandchildren, Kynli Soulaire, Kenneth "Trae" Charles, and Kasen Charles; his sisters-in-law, Michelle Sanders (Reginald), Nordell Reed, and Deidre Sanders, all of Jennings, LA; his brothers-in-law, Terry Simon (Wanda) and Kirt Simon (Louwanda), both of Jennings, LA; a host of other relatives and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard & Ira Bell Charles; his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Union Baptist Church.  Reverend Gerald W. Perkins, Sr. will officiate.  Visiting with family and friends will be held in the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of celebration services.  Burial will following Peterson Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Semien-Lewis of Jennings, LA.