Charles Ogilvie, Jr.

Charles Reese Ogilvie, Jr., 96 of West Columbia, passed from this life on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. He was born on December 1, 1923 in Houston, Texas to Charles and Mollie (Hilliard) Ogilvie. He married the love of his life, Wilma Lee Slaughter, on July 22, 1945. They enjoyed traveling North America in their motor home and visiting the British Isles, several European countries, and Egypt.

Charles graduated from Lamar High in Houston in 1941 and attended Rice Institute. In his youth he was a member of Cliff Drescher’s Cowboy Band and while at Rice a member of the Rice Owl marching band, the Rice Knight Owls dance band, local 65 of the American Federation of Musicians, and the Kit Reid dance band. He toured the Interstate Circuit with the vaudeville review “College Capers of 1942.” He was later a member of the Lake Jackson based Ron Hughes Dance Orchestra.

Charles was employed 4 years as a seismograph operator by Seismic Explorations, Inc. and 36 years by Phillips Petroleum Company where he retired on February 1, 1985. As a sideline he was a wedding photographer and assisted Wilma’s endeavor as a news writer for the West Columbia Light, the Angleton Times, and the Freeport Facts. After retirement Charles worked as a volunteer planner and assistant emergency coordinator for Brazoria County for 7 years. He was an extra class amateur radio operator and member of the American Radio Relay League. He also served as South Texas Traffic Manager for 12 years and held several other appointments with the League.

Charles was a member of many local organizations. He served four years as pack leader of Cub Scout Pack 508; was a member of the Rotary Club of West Columbia; was a member of the volunteer organization at Varner-Hogg plantation State Historic Site since 1995 where he served as secretary and president of the organization and was named member of the year by the staff; was a member of the Brazoria County Historical Museum and participant in the Austin Town Festival for many years; was a member of the Brazoria Historic Militia re-enactors; was member of the First Capitol Historical Foundation advisory board and project manager for the relocation of Ammon Underwood House; was a member of the West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and tour guide at the local historical sites; and was a member of the Columbia United Methodist Church for many years.

Charles is survived by his children, Candace Guthier and husband Steven, Nancy Navasard and husband Gipsy, James Ogilvie and wife Jennifer, and Thomas Ogilvie and wife Beverly; grandchildren, Douglas Guthier, Erin Littleton Guthier, Jason Navasard, Jill Navasard Haro, Paul Navasard, Daniel Ogilvie and Mollie Ogilvie; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers, sister, and grandson, Steven Ogilvie.

There will be a private graveside service for the family at Columbia Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Charles requested that donations may be made in his name to Columbia United Methodist Church.