Charles Edgar Futch Jr.

Charles E. Futch, Jr, age 87 of Lakeland, FL passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019. He was born on October 2, 1931 in Nokomis, FL, the son of Annice (Albritton) and Charles E. Futch, Sr. Charles was optimistic in his outlook on life and learned to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with wit and Southern charm, Charles was raised to be accepting of others. Early childhood experiences instilled in him a love of family and the desire to provide for that family through hard work and determination. Charles Edgar Futch Jr. was truly a child of the south. Raised in rural "Old" Florida he grew up with little but strong family roots and the determination to succeed in life. Sociable, analytical and pleasant Charles enjoyed life and all of its challenges. Charles was raised with four siblings and his love of family was always evident. He had three older sisters, Evelyn, Rhoda and Doris, and one younger brother, Arthur. Charles had a strong connection with his brothers and sisters and enjoyed visiting them and their families In Idaho.

Charles met Janice Marie Parks of Detroit, Michigan while she was on vacation with a girlfriend. Smitten, he wooed and won Jan's heart and they were married on June 22, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan; he was a dedicated and devoted husband to Jan until her death on January 20, 2010. Charles and Jan were blessed with four children, Susan Smith of Temple Terrace, FL, Karen Rickert of Mulberry, FL and Charles R. Futch of Lakeland, FL; ten grandchildren, Alison, Stephen, Matthew, Sharlea, Katie, Ariel, Joshua, Haley, Melody, and Natalie and nine great-grandchildren.

Charles was an Army veteran and served from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He achieved the rank of Corporal and worked as the company clerk. Charles was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him; he was a persuasive man and was able to think on his feet in adverse situations. He was a leader who sought positive impact through his decisions and he always tried to positively, manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Charles could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in any environment. His primary occupation was Banker, was employed by the First National Bank in Plant City, FL, and was later the President of University State Bank in Tampa, FL. After retiring from banking he owned and operated Putt Putt Golf Course in Tampa, FL.

Charles enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits included fishing, writing and traveling. An early supporter of athletics at the University of South Florida, Charles enjoyed watching their fledgling basketball team. Although content to enjoy his hobbies alone he also was willing to share his interests with others.

Other survivors include one brother, Arthur Futch and one sister, Evelyn Baldwin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janice Futch, two sisters, Rhoda Ternus and Doris Hatch, and one daughter, Dianne Sestile.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, February 11, 2019 at Wells Memorial, 1903 W Reynolds St, Plant City, FL. Visitation will be held one hour prior, from 12:00-1:00 pm at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held in Mount Enon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the American Legion.