Charles William Shanks Jr.

Maj. Charles W. “Sonny” Shanks, Jr. (ret.) passed away on May 18, 2021 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Sonny was born on January 19, 1945 and grew up in the St. Nicholas and Southside areas of Jacksonville, graduating from Landon High School in 1963. After high school Sonny enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably for over 20 years, with duty stations in Korea, Germany, and the United States. While in the service Sonny enrolled at and graduated from the University of Florida, becoming a proud and devoted member of the Gator Nation.

Sonny met the love of his life, Joyce, soon after retiring from the Army and they married in 1994. After returning to civilian life, Sonny worked at some fun and interesting jobs—as a ski instructor and resort manager for Canaan Valley Ski Resort in West Virginia, as a logistics manager for the Ryder truck company, as a quality control manager for Whetstone Chocolates, and as a business manager for Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Augustine.

Always looking for a new challenge, Sonny got his real estate license and then broker’s license when he was in his 60s. He was a partner in the real estate firm, Ruggeri and Shanks, and previously worked for other real estate companies as he gained experience in the field. Sonny became a respected leader in the St. Augustine real estate community.

Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce and his parents, Charley and May Shanks. He is survived by his sister Ellen Rosenblum (Mark), nephew Matt Rosenblum (Emily), stepson Chris Singleton (Vickie), niece Laura Kibby (Michael), and many cousins and friends.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a future date. A memorial service in St. Augustine will be announced in the near future so that the many people whose lives were touched by Sonny can come together and express their love. Those wishing to make a contribution to honor Sonny’s memory can donate to the Humane Society, any animal rescue organization, or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 904-737-7171. Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.