Charlie Ben Vanatta, Jr.

Charlie Ben Vanatta, Jr., a retired Educational Administrator, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Consultant, and Chief Petty Officer, USNR, left this life to be with his Heavenly Father early Saturday morning, February 21st, 2015. As a lifelong educator, he served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent with Port Arthur ISD, Texas Director of Elementary Education for SACS, and consultant for SACS/AdvanceEd. As a man of God, he served as a Deacon, Chairman of the Deacons, Trustee, and Director of the Daycare Committee at Trinity Baptist Church, in Port Arthur, TX. He also served as a Sunday School teacher at Trinity Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church in Cleveland, GA, and First Baptist Church in Cleveland, GA. Charlie spent his entire life serving his community. Throughout his many years in Port Arthur, he served as President of the North Port Arthur Lions Club, State Board Member to the Texas Staff Development Association, President of the South County Mental Health Association, and Honorary Life Member of the Texas Parent Teacher Association. During his time in the Navy, he received the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Citation, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Charlie was blessed with a large loving family: his wife of 54 years, Joan, his sister Bonnie, his daughters Kimberly and Courtney, son-in-law, Troy, granddaughters, Alyssa, Laura, and Haley, and great-granddaughters, Lyric and Harper. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his great-granddaughters, with whom he continued his great storytelling tradition. Services celebrating his life and legacy will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2015, 2PM, at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches, TX. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send cards and/or make donations to the Children's Nursery at First Baptist Church, Cleveland, GA.