Charles Villafana

Obituary for a Beloved Father, Charlie Villafana
With deep sorrow and profound love, Charles Villafana, passed away on April 12, 2025.
Charles Villafana, born Cortelyon Hermenegild Charles on April 13, 1934, in Lower Santa Cruz, Trinidad, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and love for his family. He was the 11th of 13 children born to his parents, whose roots were firmly planted in Trinidad. His father, Randolph Charles whose surname he bore, operated an icehouse that once served as a church, while his mother, Lucy Villafana by maiden name, was a devoted homemaker.
Charlie's paternal grandparents emigrated from China to Trinidad, where they built a life of prosperity. Despite their wealth, family dynamics dictated that only one of their three sons inherited the majority of their estate, leaving a modest portion to Charlie's father. This sense of resilience and resourcefulness was a trait Charlie carried throughout his life.
From a young age, Charlie demonstrated a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. He walked the family's purebred stud dog dutifully, earning the affectionate nickname "the dog guy." He swam in Trinidad's rivers and fished for crabs and fish with his bare hands. He enjoyed the bounty of his family's fruit garden; mangoes, papayas, and bananas were his everyday treasures, and curry fish remained his favorite dish.
Charlie's early years were also marked by faith and community. As an altar boy, he walked 2.5 miles to church every weekend, embodying his commitment to tradition. Christmas was the centerpiece of family celebrations, with abundant food shared across homes, while Easter brought cherished hikes to the beach, where the family camped under coconut leaves.
In December 1954, at the age of 20, Charles left Trinidad to become a merchant marine, embarking on a journey that took him to Louisiana and Alabama. He worked on oil transport vessels, but it was in New Orleans that he met Maria, the love of his life. Together, they built a home and a life in Mobile, Alabama, where Charles earned his GED and began his career at Sears as a service technician, from which he retired.
Despite facing the racial barriers of the segregated South, Charlie excelled through perseverance and skill. After 22 years with Sears, he transferred to San Antonio, Texas, where he and Maria purchased their dream home in 1979. Together, they raised a family, instilling in their children the values of hard work, resilience, and unity.
Though his heart no longer yearned for Trinidad, Charlie often reminisced about its beauty, its vibrant culture, and the paradise it once represented to him. His journey from the rivers of Santa Cruz to the suburbs of San Antonio was a testament to his courage, adaptability, and unyielding spirit.
Charlie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather in our lives, offering unwavering support, wisdom, and love throughout his journey. Dad lived a life filled with treasured relationships with his family and friends, and memorable moments with several of us here.
A devoted family man, Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Maria Paula Villafana; his eldest daughter, Maureen; and the children he shared with Maria-Patricia, John, Alda, Michael, and Victor. His legacy also includes his grandchildren-Benjamin, Alejandro, Phyllis, Louis, Travis, Michael Jacob, Adelamaria, Christopher, Lilly, Charlie, Oscar, Estelle, and Michelle-who were the light of his life and whom he loved deeply.
Charlie was known for his kindness, generosity, and a heart that welcomed everyone. Whether it was his dedication to his work, his gardening and beautiful roses, or his commitment to his community, he touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered for his positive impact and genuine warmth.
During this time of grief, we find solace in the wonderful memories we shared with our father. His spirit will live on in our hearts, and his values will continue to guide us.
A memorial service will be held on May 17th, 2025, at 2 pm at Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas, to honor and celebrate Charlie's life. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to A Gift of Time. This non-profit has been a blessing to our family during this time, and where mom goes to be with friends. https://agiftoftimegeorgetown.org/checkout/donate
Charles Villafana will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and a man whose life story is one of perseverance, faith, and quiet triumph. His family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the lessons he imparted and the love he shared.
Rest in peace, Charlie, husband, father, and grandfather. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.