Charles Franklin England

October 10, 1930 – December 9, 2021

Charles Franklin England, “Charlie,” passed from this life to eternity on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Bibb Medical Center in Centreville, Alabama. Graveside services will be held at Lincoln Cemetery in Lincoln, Alabama at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Bertha, sisters, Mary Lester and Miriam, brother, Fred, son-in-law Richard LeCroy, grandson Brannon LeCroy and spouse of 67 years, Edrie Brannon England. He is survived by his daughters Cheri LeCroy and Melanie Kirby (Myron), grandsons Courtney LeCroy (Lauren) and Kyle LeCroy (Deirdre), and great-granddaughters Addy and Audrey LeCroy.

Charlie was born October 10, 1930 in Lincoln, Alabama. The youngest of three, his family owned and operated a general store in addition to farming. He graduated from Lincoln High School where he played offensive line for the Golden Bears earning the nickname “Mr. Five by Five” for his stature. Upon graduation from Lincoln High School, Charlie attended Auburn University before transferring to the University of Alabama to be closer to his beloved Edrie.

Charlie and Edrie were married on June 29, 1950 in Lincoln, Alabama and began their life together in Lincoln before settling in Centreville, Alabama in 1956. For almost 40 years, he farmed cotton and then raised beef cattle for an additional 22 years. He was a dedicated husband and father who was consistently committed to providing for his family. There was never a project too difficult to undertake or a farming implement too broken to fix for Charlie. By nature, farming is a difficult profession, but even in the most difficult years Charlie took care of his family. Through the years he also developed friendships that spanned his lifetime. Steve and Ashton Cottingham were like family, always willing to lend a hand on the farm in any way they could. Charlie held a special place in his heart for them.

Charlie and Edrie were married 67 years and remained committed to one another and to the Lord, faithfully attending the Southern Methodist Church and later Brent Baptist Church. In Edrie’s latter years, Charlie would visit her three times a day at Bibb County Nursing Home, encouraging her and taking care of her needs. Charlie also loved his daughters and his sons-in-law. He was never too busy to help them with a project or fix something that was broken. Charlie (“Babby”) was loved by his grandsons and left them with many memories of their time with him on the farm. Though he will be missed, we know that he is restored to his heavenly Father and experiencing eternity.

The family wishes to thank Renny Brannon, Jonathan Bolding, Ray Burt, Ashton Cottingham, Steve Cottingham, David Glidewell, Myron Kirby, Courtney LeCroy and Del Pillard for serving as pallbearers.