1927-2018
Charles, a U.S. Navy veteran, Iwo Jima veteran and a Merchant Marine Mariner, served his country and community. He was a founding member of Hadji Shrine Temple with more than “50 years of Caring,” along with York and Scottish Rites, American Legion, West Pensacola Masonic Lodge, the Warrington Elks and Zelica Grotto.
Charles is survived by his wife, Helen; three daughters: Beverly Prettyman, Shelia McKinney and Susan Keller; two sons: Tony and John Batson; two sisters: Sarah Speranza and Joyce Crowell; one brother: Gary Dreading; 12 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home. A service will be held at Eastern Gate on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Reverends Jesse Evans and Gina Bryan, with interment to follow at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens and a reception at Ensley United Methodist Church, 25 East Johnson Avenue, Pensacola.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hadji Shrine Temple, Crippled Children’s Transportation Fund, 800 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.
