Charles Edward Joseph

Charles Edward Joseph, Sr., was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather during his incredible 82 years of life. He passed away peacefully in his home in Bradenton, Florida on Friday afternoon, July 5, 2024, surrounded and comforted by his family.

Charles was born in Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday, November 27, 1941, which was the first Congressionally Declared Thanksgiving Holiday. Charles was the first of two sons born to Farris and Julia Joseph.

Charles, and his beloved younger brother Skip, were very close as they were raised by a single mother. As the older of the two boys, and from a very young age, Charles developed a fierce sense of responsibility to protect and provide for his mother, his brother and himself. As Charles grew and matured, these traits evolved, and he entered the Order of DeMolay, which has now grown into an international youth leadership organization that strives to shape young men into leaders and citizens of the highest caliber. He eventually rose to the rank of Representative.

Charles graduated from Robert E. Lee Senior High School in Jacksonville, FL, Class of 1959, where he was known as a formidable competitor. He Lettered in Varsity Football, and was proud to have played for the Generals in the Gator Bowl. At times, Charles played iron-man football, serving as a two-way player on the offensive and defensive lines. He was a well-rounded student-athlete, having been voted the best dancer and wittiest in his graduating class by his peers.

After high-school graduation, Charles wasted no time. He forewent an opportunity to attend the Air Force Academy, instead opting to volunteer for the United States Army. After a year in active duty, he served 4 more years in the Army Reserves while simultaneously attending the University of Florida in Gainesville. Charles was honorably discharged from the Army on May 20, 1968.

Charles graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida and went on to work full-time. He was blessed with the gift of gab; he never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor. Those that knew him well knew they were in for a laugh nearly every time they spoke. Charles’ social skills served him well as a traveling salesman for Playtex Corporation where he earned the rank of #1 salesman in the country. However, commissioned sales and extensive travel were only the beginning of his journey. His jovial personality and good-natured charm, coupled with a natural intellect for business, bolstered his future as the founder of multiple companies in the commodities, real estate development and construction industries.

Charles’ sense of responsibility to provide for his family was strong. Fortunately, he was a natural hustler and lifelong entrepreneur. He enjoyed work and instilled a solid work-ethic in his children. He held several odd jobs; he cut hair while serving in the Army and hung draperies in order to pay for his and his brother’s college tuition and to help support his mother. He continued working until his final days as the owner of All Florida Construction Company. In between, he pursued several endeavors, expanding his knowledge and skill set in pursuit of his evolving interests.

During his career, Charles earned his Stockbroker’s License with the Chicago Board of Trade in 1971 and his Real Estate Broker and General Contractor Licenses in the State of Florida in 1973. Upon his passing, he held one of the oldest active General Contractor’s licenses in Florida; his beloved All Florida Construction Company, founded in 1973, survives him in good standing at 51 years of age and counting.

But his love for his family eclipsed all of his accomplishments in business. Charles married Margaret Rose Brimo in Miami on April 29, 1972; together they raised three children in the Episcopal Church. Charles adored his 3 children and 7 grandchildren; they could do no wrong in his eyes. Charles was also extremely proud of his Lebanese heritage, endearing his children to the culture of strong familial ties. He was always available to help guide his children and grandchildren with sage advice. His message to them was simple and consistent: Love one another, protect each other, look after each other; always put God and our family first.

Charles was Baptized and Confirmed in the Episcopal Church. He was very spiritual and believed in God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. He attended Bible study and read the entire Bible more than once. He spoke to his children about God and raised them to be acolytes at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Miami. We know he is at home with his Savior.

Charles was a huge Miami Dolphins fan; he was a season-ticket holder during their undefeated season, and his Super-Bowl parties were featured in the Miami Herald. He loved talking about both Gators and Dolphins football with his friends and family. He got a kick out of hearing his grandsons’ take on the keys to victory, the coaching, or lack thereof, and which players needed to have a big game to get the win.

Charles remained close with his beloved brother, Skip, his former wife Margaret, his cousins Steve Murray and Linda Price. He loved his extended family, telling stories of his youth growing up in Jacksonville with his favorite aunts, uncles and cousins.

Charles was preceded in death by his father Farris Joseph, Sr. and his mother Julia Joseph. He is survived by his younger brother Farris (Skip) Joseph, Jr., and his loving former wife Margaret Rose Brimo Joseph, and his three children Charles Edward Joseph II (Charlotte), Christina Elizabeth Joseph Trainor (Peter), Bryan Abraham Joseph (Valerie), and seven beautiful grandchildren: Abigail Rose Joseph, Adam Victor Joseph (Laura), Andrew Elias Joseph, Mia Rose Trainor, Mason James Joseph, Myla Christine Trainor and Elias Charles Joseph. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Grand Daddy”, “Grandpa” and “Papa”. They were the light of his life; he was so very proud of them all.

Special thanks is given to Kesha Martin of RNC Loving Hands for the outstanding care she and her team provided for Charles.

A visitation will be held for Charles on Friday, July 26th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. There will also be an hour of visitation on Saturday, July 27th, from 10:00 - 11:00am. The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 27th, at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, at 11 a.m., and the burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org/donate