Charles Neel Lemon Jr.
September 24, 1923 – June 9, 2021
Obituary for Charles Neel Lemon Jr.
Charles Neel Lemon, Jr. passed away on June 9, 2021 surrounded by people who loved him dearly. He was born on September 24, 1923 in Altheimer, Arkansas to Julia Taylor Lemon and Charles Neel Lemon.
The family moved to Little Rock a few years later. Charles had many fond memories of life-long friends and the experiences they shared through his years in Little Rock. World War II began during his high school years, and following graduation he voluntarily enlisted in the Army Air Corp. The Air Corp was in desperate need of men who could forecast weather in order to assist pilots on their missions in Europe and the South Pacific. Special programs in the science of meteorology were established at the California Institute of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to train men who demonstrated prolific math skills. Charles was selected for this program, and following basic training was sent to Cal Tech. Through many long hours of study together he and his classmates developed a deep bond of friendship. Upon completion of the program some of the men were deployed to Europe and some to the South Pacific. Charles was sent to Okinawa where he served for the duration of the war achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Following the war the men in this program all became successful in their chosen fields. They stayed in close contact with each other and held a reunion in various locations across the United States every year until 2009. Through these reunions their wives also became close friends. A few years after the war, Cal Tech acknowledged the remarkable academic accomplishment of these men by awarding a Master’s of Science degree to each of them.
When World War II ended, Charles returned to Arkansas and enrolled in the University of Arkansas. He pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon and studied engineering. After graduation, Charles continued his studies and obtain a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then went to work for Magnolia Petroleum (now Exxon Mobil) and was sent to Premont, Texas. There he met a young school teacher by the name of Marye Bradley. He said that she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. Her father was an Vice – President with Magnolia Petroleum so they had a great deal in common. They fell in love, married and raised a family. He called her the love of his life, and she called him her hero. As his career moved forward, the family had the opportunity to live in different locations finally settling in Dallas. As with his childhood friends, college friends, and Air Corp friends, his Mobil Oil friends were also a family to Charles. He cared deeply about the people he worked with. He treated every person with the same interest and respect whether they were the building carpenter or the chairman of the company. In return, Mr. Lemon, as he was always called, was beloved by them. A few of his friends developed list of people who he worked with, and who loved and respected Charles. The list was named Lemon Oil Company. This list touched his heart and was greatly appreciated.
Charles was a man of deep faith and attended the Methodist Church his entire life. He belonged to First Methodist in Dallas, Texas and was active in the church until a few years ago when he could no longer attend. He served on the board of the church and served as president of several Sunday school classes.
Charles was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved to laugh and tell stories. His stories will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Julia Lemon, his beloved wife, Marye Bradley Lemon, sister Julia Griffey Fewsmith, brothers John and Frank Lemon, in-laws Martin and Mary Bradley, and Joe and JoAnn Bradley. He is survived by his daughter Jettie Lemon, son Neel Lemon and wife Lynn Lemon, grandchildren Caroline Lemon Estes and husband Mark Estes, Will Lemon and wife Chandler Williams Lemon, and Katie Lemon and husband Will Decker, and great grandchildren Palmer Estes, Hutch Estes and Sterling Decker. Also survived by his sister Mildred Ragsdill and brother Robert Lemon. Additionally he is survived by his niece Alexis Fewsmith Brooks, and husband Randy Brooks and their two children Christian Cook and Ryan Brooks, along with their families.
The family would like to thank Mary Puckett and Mary Ford for the many years of loving care that they provided to Charles. He loved them both and the family will never be able to thank them enough for the care they provided. In addition, we would like thank his musical therapist, Jennifer Dixon, who brought him great joy with her visits and her songs.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Charles Lemon will be held on Monday, June 14th @ 9:30 am at the Restland Memorial Chapel located at 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas 75243 (located in the back of the main building).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Faith Presbyterian Hospice or the charity of your choice.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles Neel Lemon Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
Today’s Events
Service
JUN 14. 9:30 AM (CST)
Memorial Chapel at Restland Memorial Park
13005 Greenville Ave
Dallas, TX 75243
Cemetery Details
Restland Cemetery
13005 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75243
https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/