Charlie Townsend

Charlie Edward Townsend, 76 passed away surrounded by his loving family on March 7, 2019. Charlie was born May 2, 1942 in Jacksonville, FL to Ernest and Gussie (Davis) Townsend. He was a brother to Virgil, Barbara, and Mary.

Charlie married Joanella Scheffler Tudyk in 1985 in Bexar County, TX. Charlie and Joanella lived in Texas for many years where Charlie was a supervisor and dispatcher for Basse Trucking. They made their home in Pleasanton, TX where Joanella’s family was centered. Charlie was active in the community and was a volunteer fire fighter. He is a military Veteran having served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 as a mechanic. Those mechanical skills served him well throughout life, as he loved to build things and was creative in his work shop. Charlie had a special talent with stained glass. This artistic flair is evident in the beautiful lamps and wall hangings he created. In addition to working with his hands, Charlie loved to garden and fish. Some of his happiest moments were on the water, in a boat, with a fishing pole in his hand. He was an active outdoorsman.

After retiring from his profession in Texas, Charlie and Joanella returned to his roots, the place of his childhood and his family ties, in Marion County, FL. He and Joanella built a home in the midst of nature, in the Ocala National Forest and near Lake George where Charlie felt most comfortable. Charlie continued his service to his community by participating as a neighborhood watch driver with COPS. He enjoyed spending time with his family in Texas and North Carolina and quiet times at home with Joanella.

Charlie is survived by the light of his life, wife Joanella; sons Charles ‘Chuck’ Townsend, Michael Townsend; Joanella’s children whom he considered his own, Patric Kilcullen, Jeffrey Tudyk (Michelle), and Jennifer Tudyk King (William); sisters, Barbara Johnson (Pete, dec’d), and Mary Griner; grandchildren, Averee Townsend, Cash Townsend, Hailey Tudyk, Tyler Tudyk, Katherine King and Will King, all of whom he loved dearly.

Others left to mourn his passing are his brother-in-law, Fr. Mark Scheffler, and sisters- in-law, Sr. Judy Scheffler and Deborah Haag (Donald, dec’d), and others of his extended family.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Virgil.

Memorial Mass to be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church, Ocala with Fr. Mark Scheffler officiating. Reception and lunch to follow in the parish hall.