Charles Ray Cruise, 84, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Born on November 15, 1939, in Covington, Mississippi, Charles was a cherished member of the Calhoun community.

Charles was a devoted member of the Indian Springs Baptist Church, where he actively participated in church activities. He had a passion for hunting and was a regular attendee of the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration. He also enjoyed supporting West Jones Athletics.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Annette Meador Cruise, and his daughters Darla Bryant (Mitch), Charlotte Welch (Douglas), and Shannon Jordan (Todd). Charles was a proud grandfather to Landon Bryant (Katelyn), Anna Sullivan (Daniel), Jonathan Welch (Caroline), Joel Welch (Emily), Natalie Smith (Miles), Nicole Welch, Timothy Jordan (Hailey), Kathryn Mullins (Hudson), Patrick Jordan, and Mollie Easterwood (Matt). He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Charlie, Asher, Blakely, Adaline, Cruise, Finnleigh, and Mars. His siblings, Grover Cruise (Pat), Howard Cruise (Maria), and Pansie Swinney (Robert), also survive him.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram Cruise and Alice Chambliss Cruise.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at Indian Springs Baptist Church in Laurel, MS, followed by funeral services at 2:30 PM. Burial will take place at Indian Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Dr. Buddy Keyes and Dr. Richard Clark will officiate the services. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will include Landon Bryant, Charlie Bryant, Jonathan Welch, Joel Welch, Timothy Jordan, and Patrick Jordan, with honorary pallbearers being the Senior Adult Men Sunday School Class.