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Charlie Bailes Obituary
Born in Albany, Georgia in 1927, Charlie joined the Army in 1944 and served during World War II earning the rank of Sergeant. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering before moving to Tampa where he went on to become Executive Vice President and General Manager of Construction at Cone Brothers. During that time, he led hundreds of miles of highway projects including major portions of I-4, I-95, Alligator Alley and the Florida Turnpike.
Following a successful engineering career, Charlie joined his family's business at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in 1970 where he became executive vice president of the company. During his tenure, ABC grew to become the largest privately owned and operated wine and spirits retailer in America. The company had 80 stores when he started and more than 150 when he retired along with retail offices, a warehouse and maintenance facilities he helped develop.
In 1997, Charlie and his wife Jackie received the Presidents Award for Distinguished Service from the University of Central Florida along with the H. Trevor Colburn Society Award in 2000. The Bailes family and ABC have spent decades as leaders in the philanthropic, volunteer and fundraising efforts for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida, M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic, Shepherd's Hope and UCP Bailes Campus at UCF.
After retiring from ABC, Charlie opened six self-storage and warehousing locations he helped design and operate until recent months. He also owned and managed several working farms in the Tampa area, North Carolina and St. Cloud where he taught his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to ride horses, hunt and fish. While doing all of this, he was an avid golfer who continued to shoot his age or lower at Bay Hill Country Club well into his 90s.
He is survived by his sons Charles (Kim) Bailes III, Jess (Betsey) Bailes, daughters Janet (Roger) Larue and Cindy Bailes, and sister Mary Emily Donahoe; along with 11 grandchildren Chris (Konni) Larue, David (Tina) Larue, Marie (JD) Robertson, Courtney (Chris) Quarles, Ashley (Sean) Kelly, Charlie (Leigh Ann) Bailes, Alex Timmerman, McClaine Timmerman, Luke Denny, Jesse Bailes, Jacob Bailes and 14 great grandchildren.
A private family memorial service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to UCP Bailes Campus.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charlie Bailes
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
Elke S. and Family
May 14, 2022
Mrs. Jackie and Mr. Charlie Bailes will continue to be pillars of our community and hearts, as they have left everlasting legacies and enriched our lives with wonderful memories. It has been our honor and privilege to meet you, and be your neighbors for over 15 years. Mr. Charlie, from our early morning walks and talks together, to you waving hellos from your car, we will never forget you. Our sincerest condolences to the Bailes Family in your time of grief. From Bay Hill and Munich, from our families to yours, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Jo H.
May 9, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Bailes Family for the loss of your loved one, Charlie, Jr., and pray God gives you comfort, peace and strength during this difficult time.
Ann Bennett
May 9, 2022
Charlie was a true gentleman. He was always kind, polite, and courteous. He was one of a kind. He can now be back with his love, Jackie. He will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.
Jim Harnish
May 8, 2022
Charlie and Jackie were constant sources of joy for my wife and me during the years we shared together at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. I'll always be grateful for the memories of all that we shared together and give thanks for the assurance that he and Jackie are now reunited in the hope of eternal life.
Steve Oppenheim and Family
May 8, 2022
Dear Charles,
We hope our well wishes help in some small way to comfort you and family during this very difficult time.
Regards,Steve Oppenheim and Family
Jeannette Sieland
May 8, 2022
The Korean War Veterans Association Department of Florida and Chapter 173 Casselberry send our condolences on the passing of our Brother In Arms Charlie E. Bailes, Jr. (US Army WWII 1944 Sgt.).
He served his country well and honorably.
May he Rest In Peace.
Bill & Lisa Richards
May 5, 2022
So many fond memories of times together at Bay Hill. He loved his golf and gin rummy - the best of times. More importantly Charlie was simply a great guy!!
He will be missed.
Melissa D'Orazio
May 5, 2022
It was a privilege to have known such a kind and generous man. He will be terribly missed all and I'll especially miss my hugs from him! My heart goes out to the entire Bailes family for their loss but I know their happy memories will continue to be a source of peace.
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