Charles "Pic" Pickens

Charles David Pickens Jr., “Pic” to all who knew and loved him, entered the arms of his blessed Savior on Tuesday evening, July 11th, 2023. A family and friends’ internment will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, July 14th, 2023 at the Cathedral of the Pines Cemetery, along with a memorial service at Stewart Funeral home with Rev. Kevin Burdette officiating the 3:00pm service, followed by visitation in the Hospitality Suite. Pic was born May 29th, 1930, in De Kalb, Tx. to Charles David Pickens Sr., and Luna Warren Pickens. He was their only child and he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 93. Pic was a graduate of Texas Tech University and upon graduation served in the U.S. Army for two years. After his service, Pic stared a successful business career in the in the insurance field. He and his wife, Mary, worked together at Pickens Insurance Agency, for over 40 years side by side. During Pic’s life he participated in and began many worthwhile organizations. He was a Charter member of the South Tyler Rotary Club, member of the Strutters, Sharon Shrine Temple, various community HOA boards and named a 32nd degree Mason. Pic and Mary started the Tyler Area Senior Citizens Association(TASCA), in their home and watched that venture grow into a thriving organization in our community. In appreciation for his work in the organization, Pic was honored to have a new city street named “Pickens Drive”, located just off Old Omen Road. He also played trumpet in the Tyler Big Band for many years and served as the bands Manager, long after he was no longer able to play with them. He was an active member of Green Acres Baptist Church and a member of the Friendship Connect Group for many years. Pic was preceded in death by his parents, Charles David Pickens Sr, and Luna Warren Pickens and his wife of 71 years, Mary Pickens. He is survived by his two daughters, Patti Pickens-Peña and husband Juan-Paz Peña of Plano and Pam Barr and husband Don Barr of Tyler; and sister-in-law Fran Light. The family would like to give a special thank you to the following individuals and organizations for their continued care of Pic, during his later years; Dr. Ben Wilson, Dr. Thomas Bochow, Dr. Douglas Lehman, Scott Mcelfresh and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice of East Texas. Pic was loved by many friends while a resident at The Hamptons, Bluebonnet Point Wellness and Reunion Plaza. These caregivers touched his life in beautiful ways as they cared for him not only in his daily health but gaining encouragement as he touched each life he encountered. If desired, memorials can be made to the Green Acres Worship Ministry, 1607 Troup Hwy., Tyler, TX 75701 (www.gabc.org/give/) or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Dr., Tyler, TX 75701 (www.hospiceofeasttexas.org).

Charles "Pic" Pickens

May 29, 1930 - July 11, 2023