Charles Edward Brown, 85, of Oakland, Florida died on June 23, 2019. He was born in Highsplint, Kentucky on March 4, 1934 to parents, Oscar and Juanita Brown. Charlie was raised in Harlan County and attended Evarts High School in Evarts, Kentucky. He continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University and graduated in 1957.
Charlie married his college sweetheart, Freda Smith in 1956. In 1957, they moved to Florida where he began a 34-year career working for Martin Marietta in the design prototype lab. While raising his family he lived in the Pine Hills area for 27 years, coached youth sports and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. He was an active member of Powers Drive Baptist Church for over 50 years. After retirement he moved to Oakland, Florida and has lived there for the past 20 years.
Charlie loved their weekend getaway home in Fowler’s Bluff, Florida. He loved boating on the Suwannee River where he entertained family and friends for the past 40 years. Charlie also enjoyed his Thursday morning Men’s bible study group. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #239 and was also a Shriner.
Charlie was a tireless worker and a loyal friend. He was a good son, loved his wife and was a dedicated father. He treasured his children and embraced every moment with them. He especially loved his role as ”Grandad.” Charlie was everyone’s friend and could fix just about anything. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Freda Smith Brown; children Teresa (Craig) Maloy, Pamela (David) Massengale and Tim Brown; grandchildren Joshua (Kaley) Maloy, Megan (Travis) Guida, Paige and Davis Massengale, Austin and Preston Brown; and 2 great-grandchildren Wyatt Guida and Barrett Maloy.
A service will be held at Loomis Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27, 2019 with Dr. Gerald Hicks officiating. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Shriner’s Children Hospital.
Service
Visitation
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712
10:00am - 11:00am
Service
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712
11:00am
Roger and Lynn Carlson says
Freda, Teresa, Pam and Tim,
You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers in this sad time with the passing of Charley.
We have loved Charley for over 40 years, he was truly a good man who helped others all the time. We have been remembering so many fun times we had together and will be comforted to remember these good times for the rest of our days. May you be comforted also remembering the good loving man that was Charley Brown.
Much love,
Roger and Lynn
Joyce Smiley says
Freda
I am so sorry for your loss.
I follow you on Facebook and see your beautiful family. Family means everything.
Be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have been through this twice. God will always help you through.
Prayers ????
Joyce Profitt Smiley
KareN Middleton says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Charlie so much
Audrey Carter says
Teresa, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Gerri Wyer says
Freda, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lots of good memories!!! Love, Gerri Wyer
Roy and Judy Stines says
Freda, Roy and I send our prayers to you and your family. Charlie will be missed by all, who knew him, his kind heart, and
Need to help everyone. Hopefully he is sitting up there in heaven with John, and Vern talking about old times. Love to you.
Roy and Judy Stines
Raymond & Ivy Landry says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Will never forget the fun get togethers we shared. Sending prayers your way. Bob & Ivy Landry (Belle Rose, La.)
Deanna Tatum Mericle says
Freda, Teresa, Pam, and Tim,
I have so many fond memories of Charlie and all of you. I love you all and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Bell says
I read this with a heavy heart. Charles was my best friend through childhood and our school years. We spent most of our growing up years together, until we went away to college and met our other half and even then we came together in later years and the Bell’s and the Brown’s have stayed in touch. I am praying for you Freda, it is a different life we have to learn to live now, but it can be a good life still. I love you dear, please stay in touch and when you feel down or just want to talk, I will be here. Your children will be a big support group for you, We both have great children that we can count on. Praying for all of you for the next several weeks, knowing you are also a strong woman and God is a real and present help.
Kathy Hunter Guyn says
So sorry for your loss I remember Mr Brown and Freda from Highsplint. Prayers for the family.
David & Molly Keebler says
Dear family,
I have fond remembrances of times with Charlie over the years and was especially grateful for him and dear Freda’s kindness toward my parents when they lived in Florida. Please know of our love and care in this time of grief.
David & Molly
Carole Carter says
Dear Freda, Teresa, Pam, Tim
The Carter’s loved and enjoyed our times with all of you at the river. The cookouts, the long river excursions to the sandbar, the potato gun contests and the many memories of Charlie and his ability to fix anything. He was a fine man.
MARIA & JOHN EIGNER says
Mrs. Freda ‘ Tim & The Rest OF YOUR DEAR FAMILY ‘ both John & I send Our Healing Thoughts & Prayer’s . Mr. Charley Was A wonderful Man & a Awesome Neighbor & he will surely Be missed by us & All OF US Here AT Fowler’s Bluff REST IN PEACE MR. CHARLEY BROWN YOU ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS X0
Paul and Linda Dion says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Charley was a good friend We have wonderful memories
Nancy Rogers says
Charlie was a amazing man. He was one of the last living legends of a true (MacGyver).
But Charlie was also known for his story telling abilities. A lost art of today’s world.
He could keep you entertained and ohhh that smile. He had one for everyone.
A true to the end ride or die friend!!!
His love was his family was unquestionable.
He will truly be missed.
John and I feel lucky to have known him and to witness a true love story!!!
Bobbi and Dwight says
We are sorry to hear of Charley’s passing. We hope that memories of happy times help you though your loss.
Tom and Janet Grether says
Our friend Charlie Brown was a very kind caring loving person . What ever you needed he was always their for you. We have so many fond loving memories 40 years worth !! With family ,friends and great times on the Suwannee River . We will miss you always in our Hearts. Tom,Janet and “Terry Grether ” Good Night Charlie Brown “
Ray and Rosi Glidewell says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Karen Jackson Middleton says
Freda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. You and Charlie mean the world to me. I have such fond memories of summers spent at your house when I was growing up. He’s up in heaven with Uncle Oscar and Aunt Juanita and mother having a grand reunion.
Sylvia & Chet Tweedie says
Dear Freda & Family,
We are so very sorry to read of Charley’s passing. While Sylvia has known Charlie and your family for many years and has always spoken very highly of all of you and the fun times you all had together in your earlier years, I have only known Charlie and your family since Sylvia and I married several years ago I have been happy to be able to call you my friends too. We have seen to many of our good friends pass on, including our previous partners. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very sad time,
Robin Beckner says
We wish we could be there to give hugs! Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers. Eric and Robin.
Ron Smith says
Freda, so sorry Charley has passed to the ultimate home. I haven’t seen him + you in many years. I do remember Highsplint, Evarts, + Richmond when we were young so long ago. Peace to all the family. Ron