Mr. Charlie W. Birdsong, Jr.

Reflections of Life Charlie Birdsong, Jr. was born on October 26, 1935 to Charlie Birdsong, Sr. and Lucille Hadley-Birdsong in Statenville, Georgia. He arrived in Tavares, Florida at the early age of three where he was thoroughly spoiled by his great aunt, Mrs. Lucy Shorts and his adopted family, Mr. Warren and Mrs. Zola Glover and family, which continued thru out his married life. He was a very smart intelligent man. A very accomplished athlete. He excelled in all sports. He earned a black belt in karate and had his own Do Jo in downtown Eustis, which at the time there were only two black owned businesses in down town. He earned an academic and athletic scholarship to FAMU which he attended for one year. Then he decided to serve his Country by joining the Air Force. After serving four years he returned to Pine Bluff A &M in Arkansas, where he received his Bachelors Degree in Physical Ed. He taught school in Stuttgart, Arkansas and had two state championship football teams. Everyone loved him there and still do to this day. He moved his wife Doris and family to Tavares where he continued his education as well as teaching school at various schools in Lake County until he came to Tavares High School. He received his Masters Degree at UCF. He continued to teach until his health started failing. A total of forty-seven years was spent teaching, coaching and molding young men and women to be better citizens and encouraging education. He would always say, “a day you fail to learn is a day wasted.” He studied music under Minister Darrel Poitier whom he loved very much. He was always at the piano practicing or plucking on the guitar, or flute and playing the harmonica. He also earned certificates in Hypnotism, Red Cross, CPR Instructor and Thi Chi Instructor. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Birdsong, Sr. and Lucille Hadley-Birdsong , two sons, Trey and Ricky, great aunt Mattie Mae Summerall. Left to cherish and never forget his memory is: his devoted wife, Doris; three sons, Nelson Adrian Birdsong, Sr. (Angela), Michael André Birdsong, Sr., (Debbie) Darryl Ashley Birdsong; one daughter, Penny Annette Birdsong Isaac (Ellis) was born to this union; grandsons, Nelson Adrian Birdsong, Jr., Michael André Birdsong, Jr., Adarius Rakim Isaac and D’Von Jarvis Isaac; granddaughters, Laytoya Tyree, Simone Meekins, Bryanna Birdsong, Danielle Mullens, Michael Reid and Monique Reid; a special cousin, Robert Kinchen; special godchildren, Kayla Lafleur, Brandon Dudley, Damita, Tanya and Willie (Bill) Wilder, Lenny Meekins; a host of god daughters and god sons, cousins and friends. special friends, Nancy Dudley and Mable Wilder; a devoted cousin, Shelia Shorts who was with him from the beginning to the end. Charles has greatly impacted the lives of many others. Until we meet again dear love. Rest in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Always Love, Your Family

Tributes

Mr. Charlie W. Birdsong, Jr.

October 26, 1935 - November 30, 2015