Charles Johnson Florence
Charles Johnson Florence, 92, of Kingsland died July 11, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born in Draw on March 21, 1919, to Walter and Lois (Johnson) Florence.
He spent his youth helping on his family’s cotton farm and attended the Draw/Redwine community school from elementary through high school. He excelled at sports and attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood on a football scholarship from 1939 until December 1941.
A member of the National Guard, he was among the first to be called up to serve in World War II and spent four years in the European Theater with the 142nd Infantry, 36th Division. As a tech sergeant, he was in charge of a motor pool of supply trucks and saw action in North Africa, Italy, southern France and Austria. He was involved in three invasions, seven major battle campaigns and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star.
After the war, he returned home and completed his education at Texas Tech University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He played football for the Red Raiders and also lettered in track.
During that time, he married Gladys Jo King of Lubbock.
Upon graduation, he was offered an opportunity to play for the Los Angeles Rams or teach for the Edinburg Independent School District. He chose education and worked first as a teacher and coach, then as a principal, and finally as head of transportation.
While in Edinburg, he was an avid golfer, member of the Texas State Teachers’ Association, the Kiwanis Club, a member of First Baptist Church and taught Sunday school in the church’s mission.
The couple moved to Kingsland in 1985 after retiring. He was a deacon in First Baptist Church, played golf until his health no longer permitted, enjoyed yard work, watching sports and using his many talents to create art pieces from metal and wood, including furniture and hunting knives.
He loved to laugh and was always ready with a joke. He had a strong faith in Christ that he shared with his family, friends and others.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, survivors include son Michael Florence of Citrus Heights, Calif.; daughter Sara Reeves of Buchanan Dam; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters Louise Hensley of Weatherford and Mamie Hackenberg of Holland, Mich.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Willie Florence and J.B. Florence.
Interment will be held in a private ceremony at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park in Burnet County. A service will be held at First Baptist Church in Kingsland at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Missions Program of First Baptist Church, 3435 RR 1431 in Kingsland, (325) 388-4507.
Condolences may be sent to whhfuneral1@verizon.net or made online at www.whhfuneralhome.com.
Cremation arrangements made by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Homes, 900 Industrial Blvd. in Kingsland, (325) 388-6767.