In Memorium: Charles Ory Mourned By Propane Industry

(October 14, 2019) — Charles (Charlie) Louis Ory passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona, on October 3, 2019, with family by his side. He fought his cancer valiantly throughout the last year of his life and kept his sense of humor till the very end. His family is heartbroken at his loss but know that he is no longer in pain nor confined to watching endless westerns and political shows from his bed.

Charles was born on February 18, 1948, to Sterling and Lona Ory in Greenville, Mississippi. His family moved to New Orleans during his junior high years. Charlie met the love of his life, Teri, during his junior year at John McDonogh High School. After five years of being an item, they married on July 4, 1969.

Driving a Frito-Lay truck in the rainy, muggy New Orleans weather lost its appeal and Teri and Charlie moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he continued to work for Frito-Lay and she taught school.

Seeking a career change, Charlie found his way to the propane industry, working for several companies before joining his friend, Jeff, to become co-owner of Aero Propane. When economic times became challenging, they started separate companies and Charlie became sole owner of Family Propane. The highlight of his career was his involvement with the Arizona Propane Gas Association (APGA) and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). In 2015 NPGA selected Charlie to be the chairman of the association. Through APGA and NPGA he formed many friendships that he treasured throughout the last 20 plus years of his life.

While he loved his industry, his family was the most important part of his life. His sons Chuck and David are a testimony to the man he was. His daughters-in-law, Nicole and Maria, are the perfect women for his sons and he loved them dearly. Grandchildren, however, enriched his life the most. Amelia, Ellie, and Apollo were blessed with a grandpa beyond compare, and they meant the world to him.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Lona and Stering Ory, his sister Shirley, and his brother Bobby, as well as his in-laws Mary and Irvin Trimmer, and their sons Ken and Allan Trimmer.

In addition to his wife Teri, their sons Chuck and David, his daughters-in-law Nicole and Maria, and those precious grandchildren Amelia, Ellie, and Apollo, Charlie is survived by his sisters-in-law Dawn Trimmer and Nancy Chalstrom, and his nephews Chris Trimmer and Todd Trimmer, and his nieces Kelle Ory and Linda Early Arseneau.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 am, at Mariposa Gardens located at 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona. The service will be followed by a reception at Mariposa Gardens.

The APGA has established a scholarship in Charlie’s honor. Donations in Charlie’s name may be made

or may be sent to the National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Fund: NPGF – Scholarship Fund, 1899 L Street N.W. Suite 350, Washington, D.C. 20036. Donations are tax-deductible.