Eddie Charles Florence

Charles was born October 16, 1957 to the late William Dean Florence and the late Eva Lee Gosha Florence in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  He was the oldest of three children.  His brother Willie Charles preceded him in death. 

Willie Gosha and Sonya Gosha were raised in the house with him as his siblings.  Charles met the love of his life Patricia Williams.  They were married 41 years.  The two together were considered parents to many of the children their families. 

As a child, Charles loved spending time with his parental grandparents.  Often when it was time for him to go home, he begged to stay with his grandparents, known as Big Daddy and Big Moma.  He was nurtured in Christ at home and attended Gregg Chapel A.M.E Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  

He was educated in the Okaloosa County School District graduating from Fort Walton Beach High School.  Charles loved working with his hands.  He did construction work for many years and in his down time he was under the hood of a car or spending time with family.  

Eddie “Charles” Florence leaves to cherish his memories one step son, Mario Williams of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; sister, Renita (George) Tucker, Valdosta Georgia; Willie (Maria) Gosha, Auburn, Alabama; Sonya Pate, Pensacola Florida;  brother-in-laws, Johnny Williams and Willie Simmons of Fort Walton Beach Florida; sister-in-laws, Lois Williams and Cynthia Armstrong of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Stacy (Reginald) Manning of Atlanta Georgia; Uncle and aunts Clifford (Dee) and Mary Ann Williams of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Fannie (Robert) Levert of Fairfield, Alabama; 8 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Charles held a special love for his nephew Jordan “Lil Buddy” Williams, who knew him as UncleDaddy!

A Visitation will be held Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Davis Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32547 beginning at 10:00am. A Graveside Funeral service will take place at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32547 with Pastor Stephanie Duenas officiating at 12:30PM.