Paul Carl Charles

November 7th, 1942 – April 21st, 2025

Paul C. Charles passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 21st, 2025. He passed away doing something he loved, yard work, with loved ones present and nearby. Paul is survived by the love of his life and wife Julaine T. Charles (Jacques). Their marriage spanned nearly 63 years. Less than 1% of marriages see this milestone. Further survived by his sons, Scott D. Charles (and his wife Susan) and Jon A. Charles (and his wife Margaret (Peggy)). Grandchildren Jacquelynn, Gabrielle, Brooke, Mitchell (and his wife Katherine), and Drew Charles. Brother Bruce Charles (and his wife Janet). Paul was proceeded in death by his parents Willard and Florence Charles, youngest brother Wayne Charles, and many others in a large, extended family network that included 9 aunts and uncles and 41 cousins.

​ Paul was born in Algoma, WI, eldest of three brothers. He attended and graduated Algoma High School in 1961. He moved to Milwaukee, WI and started his adult life. He married Julaine, his high school hottie, on September 8th, 1962. Paul held many jobs in sales, owned a White Hen Pantry convenience store, and worked in Route Sales for Jaeger Bakery and Entenmann's Bakery.  In retirement, Paul also drove shuttle services at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee and later The Villages in Florida.

​ Paul and Julaine spent significant time in Florida and the Keys, ultimately leading to their move to The Villages in 2002. They continued to travel extensively throughout their marriage and retirement. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, China, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe to name a few. Paul had a Carnival Cruise customer service representative on speed dial.

​ Paul had many interests. He collected coins and stamps.  He and a group of friends branded themselves the "Old Wolves" and enjoyed many golf outings.  Loved doing yard work and took pride in how his home looked. He hunted and fished for years. The man was a sharp dresser and enjoyed putting outfits together for himself as well as Julaine. The local Jos. A Bank knew him by name and would open the store early for him. A huge Frank Sinatra fan, "I Did It My Way", the favorite. He was active in his labor unions and Lions Club. A life long Packers fan. "Casino Paul" never met a gambling establishment he didn't like. He was referred to as a "smart gambler" but win or lose, it was the atmosphere and the people and their stories that kept him coming back.

​ To know Paul, was to know a man of a pure, kind heart who served his family, people he knew, and strangers. While not a church going man, Paul was, without a doubt, a man of God, a servant walking amongst us. There are countless stories of his generosity, grace, and service to those he encountered. Paul volunteered at a Soup Kitchen in Belleview, FL for years. He would regularly extend credit to his customers at the store and advance money to his employees. Paul served as a Chaplain for the Lions Club, writing prayers for monthly meetings. He cared for his elderly Uncle for years. He helped families, beyond his own, care for their children and gave them a fresh start financially. He would assist neighbors and strangers with outdoor projects.

​ You cannot do justice to such a well lived life in these short paragraphs. Paul always fulfilled his obligations and commitments to family and friends and many times strangers. He was always a constant, never faltering presence who had your back. He relished in being in the company of others and didn't want or need to be the center of attention. All substance. He did do it "his way" which was by no accident, the right way. He would insist on you remembering him with a smile, laugh, or occasional tear of joy but never with sadness or grief. Nicely done Charlie!!!

There will be a Celebration of Life for Paul at a later date. In lieu of gifts, Paul had immense gratitude and respect for those in our Armed Forces and especially Veterans. You would lose him sometimes out in public because he had found a Veteran and was thanking them for their service. Any donations to a Veterans or related organization with whom you are familiar would put a smile on Paul's face as well as any food pantry or soup kitchen.  Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com