Edward William Charles, Jr., age 78, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on June 8, 2023. He was born on May 29, 1945, in Mitchell, Nebraska, a son to the late Edward William, Sr. and Emma (Leider) Charles.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother Gene, and a sister Connie. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife Sandra (Lawson) Charles; three sons, James (Shilioh) Charles, Joseph Charles, E. Thomas (Sara) Charles; two daughters, Amanda (Shanon) Bretz, Nicole (Phil) Faso; brothers Elwood (Cheri), Everett (Carol), Ellis (Lillie) and Ernest Charles; sisters Patricia (Gordon) Schilz, Lillie (Phil) Lecher, Judy (Marc) Vahrenkamp, Bonnie (Gary) Housh, Peggie Jensen, Carol (Tim) Jenkins, sister-in-law Kim Charles, and 11 grandchildren.
After growing up on his family farm in Mirage Flats, NE, Ed served his country in the United States Navy. He then spent time in Oregon before returning home to take a job at Electric Hose (Dayco) in Alliance, NE, where he met the love of his life, Sandie, in 1976. Shortly after that, he started Charles Brothers Texaco and Repairs with Ellis but eventually made his way back to Dayco. During this time, his first three children were born. Ed was transferred to Olney, Texas, by Dayco, where his fourth child was born, and then to Ocala, FL, where his fifth child was born. After retiring from Dayco, Ed completed a second career driving trucks over the road. He spent his last few years enjoying his family, woodworking, tinkering on his truck, supporting his neighborhood, analyzing Nebraska football games, and sight seeing with Sandie. While his family will remember his rock-hard stomach, his best friend being his hair, and the look of Moses, most will remember Ed’s legacy as being a man of little words but of selfless actions, honesty, trustworthiness, and hard work.