Charles Arthur Enis

Charles A. Enis, "Buddy" 74, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He lived a full and meaningful life, touching numerous lives with his wisdom and kindness. Charles was born to Orville and June (Sparks) Enis on December 16, 1948 in McAlester, Oklahoma. A viewing will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Jones-Harkins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. at Panola Auditorium on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Paige (Booth) Scott and Tommie Parker will be officiating. A burial will follow at Lutie Cemetery under the direction of Jones-Harkins Funeral Home. Active pallbearers will be Scott Lassiter, Shawn Lassiter, Mark Christenberry, Kyle Lassiter, Kase Lassiter, Parker McClary, Trenton Dill, and Paxton Christenberry. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Lay, Kyle Vanderburg, Jim Barnes, Platinum Home Health Care, along with staff and faculty of the Wilburton School District. A proud graduate from Panola High School and later earned his Doctorate in Education at East Texas. He married his wife Beverly in June of 1997 at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, beginning a journey of love and companionship that would last 26 years. Buddy dedicated his life to education, serving in various capacities throughout his career. He began his journey in education at Soper High School in 1971-1972 as a math teacher. In the fall of 1972, he joined Wilburton Public Schools where he taught junior high math for five years, served as a high school counselor for 3 years, and high school principal for 13 years. He then ascended to the role of superintendent, a position he held for 22 years. Remaining in the field of education for 43 years, Charles spent 22 of those years as a superintendent, a testament to his commitment and dedication to the profession. His legacy within the Wilburton School District is profound. He was instrumental in the construction of the basketball gym for the Wilburton Diggers and was known for ensuring the smooth operation of the schools. Buddy was a respected member of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration and the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators. Buddy was a pillar of the financial community, serving on the 1st National Wilburton Bank Board for many years. His keen insight and unwavering commitment played a pivotal role in the bank's success, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Beyond his professional contributions, Buddy's involvement in various associations underscored his genuine interest in fostering community growth. His affable demeanor and dedication to service were truly contagious, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence. Outside of his professional life, Buddy had a passion for rodeos and even rode bulls in his younger years. He loved ranching and taking care of cattle. He was a dedicated family man who cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Whether it was going on hunting trips or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, his family was his pride and joy. Described by many as wise, Buddy was a source of guidance and wisdom for many within his community. His hard work and dedication were evident in all aspects of his life, from his professional pursuits to his personal relationships. Buddy was a man of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family and his work. His impact on the lives of his loved ones and the community he served will endure, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. Buddy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Beverly Enis; his sons, Shawn Lassiter and his wife, Candy, and Scott Lassiter and his wife, Treasa; and his daughter, Sheena Christenberry and her husband, Mark. As a doting grandfather, he leaves behind Madilyn Dill and her husband, Trenton, Kyle Lassiter and his wife, Cayden, Kace Lassiter, Parker McClary, Presley McClary, and Paxton Christenberry. His great-grandchildren, Kinzly Stancell, Wrenley Dill, Myles Lassiter, and Ella Duvall will remember their great-grandfather with fondness. He is also survived by his brother, Bob Enis and wife, Regenia of Knoxville, Tennessee; his sister, Sherry Swackhamer of Portland, Oregon; his nephew, Blake Enis; and his nieces, Lee Enis, Madison Swackhamer, Amelia Holbert and her husband, Brendan; soon to be identical great nephews Holbert; numerous other family members and friends. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and June Enis, and his brother-in-law, Roy Swackhamer. In Lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to his granddaughter Madilyn Lassiter Dill at Farmers State Bank in Stigler, Oklahoma.