Charles Music

MUSIC, CHARLES WENDELL, 73, died Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center in Abilene, TX.

Born January 4, 1938 in Letcher County, Seco, KY to Logan and Pansy Music, Charles graduated from Whitesburg High School in 1956. He received a B. A. from Asbury College in 1959; a Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology - Emory University, 1962; completed preliminary studies toward a Doctor of Ministry, New College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, 1964-65; Doctor of Ministry - Southern Baptist Seminary, 1974.

Charles accepted Jesus and His call to ministry as a teenager. While a student at Asbury, he met Jane McCurry whom he married just after college graduation. He served three Methodist churches in Ohio while attending Asbury Theological Seminary. As he continued his theological education at Emory, he was a preaching assistant at Highlands Methodist Church in Highlands, NC for two years. Jane taught school throughout his seminary days.

Charles was ordained deacon through the former Louisville, Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1961 and faithfully served churches in central and western parts of the state until his retirement. During this time he served on various boards and ministries of the conference and was district superintendent of the Hopkinsville District. Jane continued her public school teaching each place he served, supporting him in ministry, as well.

In retirement, Charles and Jane became affiliated with Watkins UMC in Louisville. The church's support for him when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's touched Charles deeply. During those early years his passion was to be open about his condition in an effort to promote dialog and understanding of Alzheimer's Disease. The Alzheimer's Support Group of Southeast Christian Church and a monthly fellowship group of longtime friends became his and Jane's lifeline.

Charles suffered many years with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other medical complications. In 2008, since his daughter and family were soon to return to full-time mission work abroad, the Lord led Jane to place Charles in an Alzheimer's facility in Abilene, so they could be near their son and his family. Charles spent three years at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, a part of Sears Methodist Retirement System, Inc. before his death in the early morning hours of March 12, 2011.

Survivors include his wife, Jane McCurry Music, of Abilene; son, Scot (Audrey); granddaughters, Laura Kate and Abby Music, of Abilene; daughter, Heather Gentry (Eric); grandsons, Joseph and Caleb Gentry, of Lexington, KY; and sister, Patricia Holbrook (Jack), of Sierra Vista, AZ.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Logan Music and Pansy Music Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church in Louisville, directed by Highlands Funeral Home, Louisville. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Watkins Memorial United Church, 9800 Westport Road in Louisville. Interment will follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens East. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his honor may be sent to Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, 6050 Hospital Dr., Abilene, TX 79606-5252.

Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com