Charles Ray Biggs

harles Ray Biggs, 83, of Danville will be remembered as an enthusiastic story teller and whether the tale was about his Second World War experiences, hunting, fishing or his childhood, they were captivating. Charlie passed away at 5:40 p.m., November 7 p. m., 2007 at Provena U.S.M.C. Logan Campus. His tales of the Second World War were his favorites and one story would lead inevitably into another. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Silver Cluster for his combat role (waist gunner) in the attack on the Ploesti oil fields. It was the first long-range low-level bombing mission in history. He was an avid supporter of veterans causes. He started working on the railroad in the 1950s with the C & E I and stayed with that occupation for the rest of his working life, retiring as a conductor. Hunting, fishing and his computer kept him busy for most of his life. Charlie Sonny Boy Biggs was born September 5, 1924 in Tilton, the son of George Albert and Amelia Kohleffel Biggs. He married Beverly Jean Evans April, 4, 1944. She preceded him in death, December 9, 2003. Charlie is survived by his son Charles Jr. (Dianne): grandchildren Julie (Barkley) Biggs-Engel, Charles Ryan Biggs, Beverly Jennifer Biggs and David H. Ford: great-granddaughter Winter Biggs-Engel. He was preceded by his parents, infant brother George Jr. and brother Fred Ervin Biggs. A celebration of Charlies life will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, November 12, 2007 at Sunsets Community & Life Tribute Center. Officiating Pastor Miles Clark. Burial will follow at Atherton Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday at the Tribute Center from 2-5 p.m. Special thanks to friend and neighbor Harriet Lulu Haussy. Without her steadfast dedication and assistance, Charlie would not have been able to stay in his home in his final years. Thanks to niece Linda Collins and sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and Dick Wilson for their help. Special thanks to Drs. Muthiah Thangavelu, Jo-Mel Labayog, Bhaskar Patel, Carlos Gotardo and their nurses and staff for the efforts on his behalf. Special thanks also to the therapists, nurses and staff of Hawthorne Inn who cared for him in the final weeks of his life.