Charles Ray Lightsey

Charles Ray Lightsey was born August 18, 1939, in Mobile, Alabama, to Leon and Helen Lightsey. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Charles grew up in Mobile, Alabama, with his brother Gerald Lightsey and his sister Geraldine Lightsey Collins (both deceased). After graduating from Murphy High School, he attended and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. While at USM, he met his future wife, Robbie Cockerham from Greenville, Mississippi, on a blind date to the Hattiesburg Zoo. Following graduation, Charles enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Charles and Robbie were married on December 30, 1962. Charles began his career with the Social Security Administration in Birmingham, AL. He was transferred to Memphis, TN, Mobile, AL and Jackson, MS before moving to Laurel as the manager of the Social Security Office in September 1968. He retired in August 2000, after 40 years of service with the Social Security Administration, to care for Robbie as she continued her battle with cancer. He was a faithful caregiver to his wife over her 30-year battle with lymphoma. Robbie entered heaven on October 7, 2002. Upon retirement, Charles opened a Social Security Disability business. He took great pride in sharing his knowledge of Social Security with people in need of guidance for disability and retirement benefits. Charles was a founding member of The First, A National Banking Association in Laurel. He served on the board of directors from 1999 until 2025. Charles devoted countless hours to the success of The First Bank. Charles is survived by his daughters Debbie Lightsey McKinley (Jonathan) and Sarah Helen Lightsey. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Mike Collins, Jerry Collins, Jerry Lightsey, Lisa Collins Stevens and Catherine Lightsey Payne. Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, Mississippi, on March 4, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following. Shannon Slover, M.A.C.E., will lead the service. Pallbearers will be Hoppy Cole, Lowell Howell, Jonathan McKinley, Jay Philley, Doug Seidenberg and Charlie Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Collins, Dr. Jack Evans, Fred McMurray, Dr. Aremmia Tanious and the Evans/Parrish Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church. Charles will be interred at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Memory Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Laurel, Mississippi, or the American Cancer Society. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Charles Ray Lightsey

August 18, 1939 - March 1, 2026