Charles William Bramlett Jr.

Charles “Charlie” Bramlett, Jr. (retired Air Force Major) age 68, passed away August 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Lewy Body Dementia Association, https://lbda.org/donate.

Charlie is survived by his wife of thirty-six years and loving caregiver, Sandra “Sandy” Bramlett, and children Charles Bramlett III, Carrie Bramlett of North Carolina, Amanda and husband Jaron Davenport, Alexis and husband Travis Lombard, grandchildren Hayden, Emily, and Riley, and his sister Patricia and husband Charles Moore of Virginia, along with his nephew, family and friends.

Charlie was born on November 14, 1948 in Washington, D.C. to his parents, Dorothy and Charles Bramlett. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida in 1966 and enlisted in the US Air Force in 1970. While serving in the Air Force, Charlie received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Nebraska and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University. During his military career spanning over 28 years, he earned a number of distinguished awards, including the Bronze Star, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kuwait, Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia, Defense Superior Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other medals, citations, letters and certificates. He served his country through two wars: the Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War. He loved his country and took pride in his service. Charlie served in Saudi Arabia as the Senior Protocol Officer for General H. Norman Schwarzkopf during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Charlie's role in the coordination of logistics for the ceasefire talks held in Safran, Iraq, was in line with his life-long interest in great historic moments. His participation in the ceasefire was one of his proudest moments. At the conclusion of Operation Desert Storm and the Command's return to CENTCOM Headquarters, Charlie served as Lead Coordinator for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for the bestowing of Knighthood on General Schwarzkopf. In early 1993, Charlie served a special assignment on the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee for the Inauguration of William Jefferson Clinton. He served as the coordinator on the Inaugural Platform, ensuring all attendees were present and that the Swearing In started on time.

Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Charlie and his wife made Tampa, Florida their home residing until 2013 when they moved to Orlando. Charlie met his wife Sandy disco dancing in the late 1970’s. Their enjoyment of music continued through many years together attending concerts, musical theater and going dancing. Always active until his illness, Charlie regularly went on a daily run, and preferred being outside gardening and relaxing around water. His family will remember the pride he took in tending to his yard when they see blooming azaleas, bougainvillea, and hibiscus. He would spend hours in the pool or at the beach teaching his children how to boogie board and make sand castles. Charlie was also an avid Florida Gator and could often be found wearing his Orange and Blue proudly. Through his military service and post-retirement employment as a contractor with the Department of Defense, Charlie traveled the world and passed on to his children his appreciation of other people and cultures. He always knew the best “scenic routes” to take.

The Bramlett family would like to thank VITAS of Orlando, Home Instead Senior Care in Orlando, and all of the doctors and nurses at The VA Community Living Center at Lake Nona for their dedication and care.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2017, 3:00 pm at Baldwin-Fairchild Ivanhoe, 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. 407-898-8111. Full Military Honors for Major Charles Bramlett, Jr. will be bestowed at the inurnment, Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, on Monday, August 28, 2017. Funeral arrangements are under the care of http://baldwinfairchildivanhoe.com/.