Mr. Charles E. “Charlie” Middleton, 75, of Yulee, Fla., passed away at his home on Wednesday morning, Aug. 24, 2016.
Born in Jesup, he was the eldest of five children born to the late Harold E. and Eletha Elizabeth Yarbrough Middleton. Mr. Middleton began a long career as a welder, working at Imeson Airport in north Jacksonville, Fla. He later worked at the Jacksonville shipyards for approximately 15 years before joining General Electric. While working with General Electric, he traveled overseas and worked with the turbine repair team until retiring in 1997. He and his family had resided in Jacksonville until moving to Yulee in 1970.
He was a member of Amelia Lodge No. 47, F & AM as well as the Scottish and York Rite bodies. He had held many stations in the Masonic Lodge to include worshipful master. Mr. Middleton was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where he served as past worthy patron. He also was a member of the Order of Amaranyth and the White Shrine.
Mr. Middleton enjoyed hunting, fishing, taxidermy and upholstery. He was an accomplished baker and baked many wedding cakes for family and friends. His passion was studying his Bible and encouraging others along their Masonic journeys.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Cox, and a sister, Amy Middleton.
He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Ruth Wiley Middleton of Yulee; children, Charlene Darley and her husband James of Yulee, Victoria Amburgey of Kingsland, Sophia Rhame and her husband Eric of Braunfels, Texas, Keith Middleton of South Carolina, Terry Middleton of Georgia, Nancy Lary and her husband Bryan of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Jean Wingate of Yulee; two brothers, Andy Middleton and Eddie Middleton; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley Heard with Janice Miller officiating. Eastern Star and Masonic honors were bestowed.
His family received friends from 2 p.m. until the hour of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Please share his life legacy and leave memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.