Charles Edward Thrower

Charles E Thrower, a much loved native of Brunswick, was often heard to begin his prayers with the phrase “Thank you Lord for another gorgeous day”. Wednesday morning April 22, 2015 at 6:30 am he left this world to join his Creator and Savior and experience the ultimate gorgeous and glorious day of

his new and eternal life.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Kirkland Thrower ; three daughters, Linda Walker and her husband Tom , Wanda Jordan and her husband Jim, Brenda Parker ; a son, Michael Edward Thrower and his wife Dawn all of Brunswick; two sisters, Wynell Yesbick of Albany, Ga., and Eva Hobbs of Dothan, Alabama. Seven grandchildren; Bradson and Jason Walker, Barbaree Stone, Leighan Jordan, Jessica Cannon, Chris Caracciolo, and Brandon Thrower. Ten great -grandchildren; Brittany and Rachael Walker, Brady and Aidan Stone, Kirkland, Charlie and Philip Cannon, Logan and Elijah Walker, and Rosie Caracciolo.

On June 12, 1942, while serving his country painting Liberty ships night and day, Charles married Jeanette Kirkland and began a journey of loving, working, serving, and playing together that lasted almost 73 years. While Jeanette was giving herself as wife, mother and home maker she supported Charles as he pursued the visionary and entrepreneurial spirit that burned within him. Soon after the war ended he started up Coastal Decorators which was to become the first of many successful businesses to follow; Tom Sawyer Paint Co., Tom Sawyer Paint Center, Ramada Inns of Brunswick, Western Steer Steak Houses in Brunswick and Valdosta, Ga.

While managing the responsibilities of family and business he still made time to serve his community and church. Some areas of service included ; 17 years on the School Board, Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Honorary Life Member Ga Sheriff’s Association, Habitat for Humanity, Suntrust Bank Board of Directors, Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow. He and Jeanette were faithful members and servants of Calvary Baptist and later Pine Ridge Baptist. He served as deacon, Sunday School teacher and director ,as well as spearheading several building projects. He was also recognized by the community as “Father of the Year' , and received the “Alfred W. Jones Award” in 1988.

While he was being recognized as builder of businesses and people he still made time for recreation and play with his family. In his younger years he enjoyed piloting his own plane. Many times landing on Cumberland beach for an overnight family camp out under the wing of his plane. He loved to travel and visit interesting and adventurous places around the world. He was famous for always planting trees and looking toward the future and his love for play never left. On his 80th birthday he bought a Sea Doo jetski and was still enjoying it when he turned 91.

He will be remembered as a very generous, grateful, and loving man who highly valued education, hard work, personal responsibility, and a personal and ever-present walk with God. Now that he has left us behind, looking forward with expectation for us to join him one day, he is truly walking with God and will be for Eternity.

The funeral service will be at Pine Ridge Baptist Church Saturday April 25th . Visitation is at 10 with service at 11am and burial to follow at Brunswick Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverends Michael Gibbs and Ralph Wade will be officiating. Active pallbearers will be; Geoff Cannon, Chris Caracciolo,

Mark Daughtery, Andy Roberson, Van Roberts, and Byron Stone. Honorary pallbearers will be; Jack Hartman, Ben Hartman, Dr. Robert H Thompson, Dr. Marsha Certain, Ron Maulden, Wynn Baker, Eddie Parker, Pine Ridge Baptist Deacons and the Senior Men's Sunday school class.

The Family invites those who wish to send flowers to consider the Pine Ridge Church Building Fund in lieu of flowers.