The Honorable Bennie Charles Boles, 84, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Center.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. 

Judge Boles was born in 1934, in Center, to Bennie Paul Boles and Rosa Lee Lock Boles.  He graduated from Center High School and attended Sam Houston State University on a football scholarship.  He earned a Business Degree at Sam Houston and was a member of the 1955 Lone Star Conference Championship team.  After college, he served in the United States Army for three years. Later, he earned a teaching certificate and Master in Education, teaching and coaching in Center, Nederland, and League City, Texas.  Bennie received his Law Degree from the University of Houston and was a lawyer for many years in Center before becoming District Judge for the 123rd District Court of Texas, over Shelby and Panola counties.  He served four terms as District Judge and was a visiting judge in Dallas, Houston, and many counties in East Texas for many years afterward.  

Bennie was active in the First Baptist Church of Center and was a lifelong member.  He served as a Sunday school teacher and a Boy Scout leader for many years.  After retirement, Bennie served as interim pastor for several churches and most recently was interim pastor of Truitt Chapel Baptist Church.  He was a member of the Texas Baptist Men’s Church Ministries, where he helped and served churches throughout the United States and other countries, leading others to Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Lessie Anita Boles of Center; daughter, Deborah Ann Boles of Center; niece, Virginia Permenter of Center; nephews, Randy Carrol and wife, Delisa, of Center, Jeff Young and wife, Deborah, of Center; great niece, Mallory Permenter; great nephews, Richard Pinkston and wife, Elizabeth, of Center, David Young and wife, Lauren, of Conroe; stepbrother, Ralph Edward Campbell of Center; numerous great great nieces, nephews, other family, and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Paul Boles and Rosa Lee Lock Boles Campbell; sisters, Shirley Louise Young, Reba Boles, Rita Boles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Texas Baptist Men, First Baptist Church, or a charity of choice in Judge Boles’ honor.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com