Charles (Charlie) Clayton Runnels, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Thursday, September 13th, at the age of eighty-four. Charlie was born October 31, 1927, in San Antonio, Texas, to Charles C. Runnels and Josephine Runnels. After graduating from Brackenridge High School in 1945, Charlie joined the Navy and served for a year, increasing in rank from Seaman to Radarman 3rd class. Charlie began his undergraduate education at Baylor University and completed his studies at the University of Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration in 1950 as a Distinguished Military Graduate. After graduation from UT, Charlie pursued his life-long dream of becoming a pilot, taking Basic Pilot Training at Connelly Air Force Base in Waco, Texas and Advanced Pilot Training at Enid Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. While in the Air Force, Charlie earned a Master’s degree of Business Administration from Syracuse University. During his years as an officer of the U.S. Air Force (1951-1971), Charlie served at numerous domestic and international air force bases. During his career, he was a crew member on B29 combat-ready aircraft, maintained atomic weapons for combat crews, was an Administrative Officer at Headquarters SAC, and attained an early rank of Lt. Colonel after 15 years of service. He was the commander of B52 aircraft, an instructor/pilot of B52 aircraft, and flew 39 combat missions over Vietnam. Charlie retired from the Air Force in 1971 and began a second career in higher education. He was a well-liked professor at Tarrant County College and thrived in its Mid-Management Program for 25 years, retiring as the chairman of the Mid-Management Program. Among his numerous achievements at TCC, Charlie was honored as the outstanding college instructor of the year (1978) by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Administrative Management Society. He also led a comprehensive statewide project to publish the handbook for the Mid-Management Cooperative Program. Charlie loved to play golf, making the shot of a lifetime, the elusive hole in one, in 1994. He also loved dancing to Big Band music, playing gin rummy, and traveling. He was active in the H-E-B Rotary Club, helping out with the many projects that Rotary sponsors and, as always, making many friends along the way. He was a member of Shady Oaks Baptist Church where he loved the 102 Sunday School class. Friends will always remember Charlie as a cordial, easygoing guy who never lost his temper and got along with everyone. He was a wonderful father to his three children and gave them a blissful childhood filled with unwavering love and support. He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and granddaughter, Kathryn Grace Estes. Survivors: Charlie is survived by his wife of 23 years, Billye; daughters, Patricia Duke (Rusty), Julie Runnels; son, David Runnels (Therese); grandchildren Laura Estes, Grace Runnels, Margaret Runnels; great granddaughter, Serina Estes; stepdaughter, Suzanne Esch (Jamie); stepson, Jeffrey Field; step grandchildren, Austin, Aspen, and Aniston Esch and cousin, Jeane Duncan.