Charles Noll III

Charles Anthony Noll III, 86, of Texas, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy as original and colorful as the life he lived. Nearly 87 years young, Charles was truly one of a kind - a man who lived life entirely on his own terms. A genius and dreamer at heart, his perspectives were far beyond those of the ordinary.

A proud fourth-generation Texan, Charles lived his entire life in the Lone Star State. Born in Fort Worth and raised in Odessa, he graduated from Odessa High School and Odessa College. He later went on to earn a degree in Art from Texas Tech University - an accomplishment in which he took great pride. He often credited the mother of his children, Gayle Noll, for her encouragement, which helped him reach that goal. Charles was a lifelong Red Raider and was proud of it. He displayed his Red Raider decals on his trademark fleet of red cars, which he loved.

An artist by nature, Charles expressed creativity in everything he touched. Whether drawing, painting, designing, or inventing, he was always building, fixing, or dreaming up something new. A true inventor at heart, he had a brilliant mind for electronics and mechanics and a deep curiosity that never faded. His imagination and determination made him a natural innovator long before it was fashionable to be one.
After high school, Charles served his country in the United States Navy, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he worked in broadcast radio. His time there reflected his adventurous spirit and lifelong love of learning. His passion for all types of music was unparalleled, and he was rarely found without music playing in the background.

Charles founded and owned two successful businesses, Ad Associates and Alarm Systems, Inc. He was also a successful real estate investor and purchased his first piece of property at the young age of 18, at his father's suggestion.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Muriel Linn "Coco" Noll and Charles Anthony "Charlie Boy" Noll Jr. of Odessa, Texas, whom he loved deeply and spoke of often. He was also profoundly influenced by his high school shop teacher and lifelong mentor, Reed "Mr. Mac" McFarland, who helped inspire him to become a very talented machinist, at which he excelled.

Charles is survived by his two children, A'lisa Marie (Noll) Denny of San Angelo, Texas, and Charles Anthony Noll IV of Village Mills, Texas; and by his four grandchildren. He was "Papa" to Charles Anthony "Chase" Noll V, Chandler Marie (Noll) Watkins, Cheyanne Alise Muriel Denny, and Chance Frederick Minor Denny. He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren and two sisters, Elizabeth Linn "Betty" McCarty, of Littleton, Colorado, and Sharon Kay White, of San Antonio, Texas.

Charles will be remembered for his humor, curiosity, and the fearless, joyful way he lived his life. He was a true Texan, an artist, an inventor, and above all, a man who charted his own course.

He lived as he created - boldly, uniquely, and without apology. Those who loved him will forever remember his laugh, his ideas, and the unmistakable sparkle in his eyes when inspiration struck. He may have left this world, but his spirit - inventive, stubborn, and full of wonder - will live on in every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Charles by creating something with your own hands, tinkering with a new idea, or simply taking a moment to admire the beauty of a Texas sunset - just as he so often did.

"He lived boldly, loved deeply, and dreamed grandly, in a way which only he could do."