Charles William Brannon

Charles was born in Kynesville, Jackson County, Florida to Jackson Luke and Christine Barnes Brannon.

Charles was preceded in death by his first wife of 61 years, Dora Brannon; his parents, Luke and Christine Brannon; his sisters, Bea Tharpe, Mary Johnson; his brother, Carl Brannon; and an infant son. Charles is survived by his children, Leisa (Tom) McCullion; Chuck (Patti) Brannon; Jennie (Jim) Gaudette; Sherri Brannon; his sister, Joyce Collins and a brother, Ernest Wilson Brannon (Donna); eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Charles was blessed later in life to have reconnected with Leola Morris Porter whom he married in 2018. Charles and Leola had 8 wonderful years together. He was fortunate to have Leola’s daughter, Tami Parish, as well as her grandchildren, Thomas Parish, Mallory Flowers (Claire), Tricia Berry (Eric) and Kaitlin Davidson (Mitchell), great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews to love him and welcome him into their lives.

Charles graduated from Cottondale High School in June 1950. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Upon completion of his enlistment, Charles attended Chipola Junior College and Florida State University. He graduated from FSU with a BS degree in Personnel Administration in June 1957. After College, Charles started his career with the State of Florida in the field of Personnel and Labor Relations from July 1957 to his retirement in February 1988. Afterwards he worked for the state union retiring from there in February 1995.

Charles had a parallel career as a military officer for 37 years beginning with his deployment to Korea with the USAF and then active reserve duty with the USAFR, USNR, and USAR. At the age of 60, he retired with the rank of Colonel. His military education included several career schools as well as the Command of General Staff College, The Air War College and the National Defense University.

And some would say that Charles had a third career as a lifelong FSU football fan.

Charles and Dora retired to St. George Island, where their children and families made wonderful memories enjoying the beach. Days were spent fishing for mullet and crab boils, both of which Charles was known for. They attended St. George Island’s United Methodist Church and made many lasting friendships on the Island. They also enjoyed the mountains of Franklin, NC where they built a home and spent half of their time there when they were not on St. George Island. They had wonderful friends that they gathered with to play cards and games.

Charles loved to play golf, either at Port St. Joe, St. James, Quincy, or in the mountains of Franklin, NC. He was a member of two different Men’s Leagues. He had the good fortune (and skill!) of making not just one, but TWO holes in one!

In 2018, Charles and Leola made a life together in Chipley, Florida.

They attended church at the First Baptist Chipley. Leola taught Charles to play bridge, and they enjoyed their bridge friendships together. They also traveled to Franklin, NC where they enjoyed the mountains, eating out at favorite restaurants and going to the bookstore for their beloved books.

Charles was a much-loved husband, father, uncle and Big Daddy to his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 11:00 to 12:00. Culley’s MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Rd, Tallahassee, FL.

After the visitation, the family would like to invite family and friends to join them for lunch and refreshments.

For friends who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Lighthouse Children’s Home, 7771 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32309 or to First Baptist Chipley, 1300 South Blvd, Chipley, FL 32428.