Charles Alexander Latimer

A proud country boy from Fellsmere, Florida, Charles Alexander Latimer was born to Leola and Ralph Elvania Latimer, Sr. on December 31, 1947. He was indeed a New Year's Eve baby and celebrated as such every chance he got.
Charles received a formal education through the Indian River County Public School System, where he graduated from Gifford High School, Class of 1965. He furthered his education by receiving an Associate Degree in Computer Sciences in Miami, Florida and applied his newly acquired skills at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. He was a strategic thinker and had a mind for improving processes and handling business while teaching others to do the same for themselves and their families.
Charles was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Fellsmere, Florida, he never moved his membership; however, he was fully embraced and supported by St. Matthew Missionary Baptist of Wabasso, Florida in his later years of life.
Charles, also known as "Shack" or "Lat" grew up playing down the dirt roads of Fellsmere, Florida and residing in Delaware seasonally. Although he was taught discipline, a strong work ethic, and responsibility by his parents, he enjoyed his childhood. What he enjoyed most about his childhood was sports, a love he would continue throughout his adulthood. His knowledge of sports was impeccable. With a polished mind, he could tell you about every athlete, regardless of sport or team, and then as a humble brag would proceed to tell you their life story: what high school they graduated from, what year they were drafted, if they graduated from "A & M" or "Cookman," who they were traded to, the list goes on. Sports was more than a pastime; it was a passion. Those who knew him best knew that playing ball, baseball that is, was his everything and he was pretty darn good at it too! As a result of this love, he injured his left knee, which left him unable to serve in the armed forces; however, we found other ways "to protect and serve" his community.
Charles served nearly 25 years in law enforcement. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ralph E. Latimer, Jr., the first African American Detective for the Indian River County Sheriff Office (IRCSO), he served as a Corrections Deputy at IRCSO from January 15, 1978, to October 1, 1984. He worked at the State Department of Corrections (DOC) from October 1, 1984, to June 26, 1986, then transferred back to the IRCSO June 26, 1986, to November 5, 2001, where he served as a Night Watch Commander, the highest-ranking officer during the overnight shift. He was firm, but fair, and fellow officers, colleagues, and inmates respected him because of this. He retired as a Corrections Lieutenant, an esteem he was very proud of. He rarely missed a day of work.
Charles married the love of his life, Juanita Reddick, November 4, 1972, and continued to love, protect, and provide for her relentlessly for over 51 years. He embraced her six (6) children as his own and would become offended if anyone thought otherwise. They were his children and he provided for them as such. He showed men how to provide for their families. He was the example. Let him tell it, no one could do it better. It was his duty, he provided the blueprint, and he took great pride in having a heart to help those in need. Although countless sacrifices were made over the years, no one in the home ever wanted anything. He and Juanita made sure of that. He was a provider. Being a prosperous man, Charles was always willing to help those who were trying to help themselves. If someone stumbled and needed a place of refuge or simply needed to come home, the doors were opened. While not a perfect man, providing a roof over someone's head, ensuring the lights were, food on the table, clothes were on backs, and gave some pocket change from time to time, he did his best; therefore, your best was all he expected and demanded in return. He was willing to share his prosperity with others, hoping that it would set them on a better path in life, so they too, would be able to provide for and support their families, achieve their dreams, be better than he. Charles' perseverance goes unmatched. His work ethic was relentless; therefore, excuses he did not accept. He was no stranger to hardships, he was not perfect, but he did do his best and continued to give us his all until the Lord called him home.
On Monday, February 5, 2024, at 1:10 A.M., Charles was called from labor to reward, earning his heavenly wings. He will be loved, admired, and missed by many.
Charles is preceded in death by parents: Ralph and Leola Latimer; brother, Ralph E. Latimer, Jr., Paternal Grandparents: Carlos and Myrtle A. Gibson Latimer; Maternal Grandparents: Felix and Ida Wright; Aunts: Mary Julia Hillmon, Hazel Latimer McCloud, Essie B. Latimer Jackson, Mary Ellen "May" Latimer Brown, Sallie Mallory, Earleen Latimer Johnson, and Mattie Wright; Uncles: Willie Frank Latimer, John W. Latimer, Nathaniel Wright, Will Otis Wright, John Wright, Frank Wright; brother-in-law, Isaiah "Gator" Reddick, Jr., sister-in-law, Jessie Latimer, daughter-in-law, Nancy Sue Green, son, Duray "Ray" Allen Green, and daughter, Tara Lucretia Penny.
Cherishing precious memories are his loving wife Juanita R. Latimer of Sebastian, FL; children: Lira M. Latimer of Tallahassee, FL, Willie R. Harden, Jr. (Joanna) of Sebastian, FL, Kennedy T. Green of Pompano, FL, Michael P. Green of Atlanta, GA, and Tammy L. Thomas (Ishaq) of Greenville, TX. Grandchildren: KiAndra Harden of Palm Bay, FL, Willie R. Harden, III (Jenelle) of Orlando, FL, Latisha Green of Pensacola, FL, Kia N. King of Palm Bay, FL, Kenita Young of Orlando, FL, TyKedra L. Green of Norcross, GA, Philana T. King of Griffin, GA, India N. Penny of Conyers, GA, A'Teya Greer (Victor) of Forest Park, GA, Michael P. Green, Jr. (Victoria) of Boone, NC, James E. King, Jr. of Gifford, FL, Reginald D. Penny, Jr. (Morgen) of Rex, GA, Lindsay Wilson of Titusville, FL, Shannon Harden of Vero Beach, FL, Iesha King of Jonesboro, GA, Tyler A. Penny of Ellenwood, GA. Aunts: Frances Williams (Wallace) of Maplewood, NJ, and Mammie Lou Thompson of Plainfield, NJ. Sister-in-laws: Carrie Jenkins of Miami, FL and Willie Pearl Scadlock of Sebastian, FL; Special Friends: Demetrice Harris of Wabasso, FL, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.