Charles Cato, 82, of Jacksonville, FL gained his Angel Wings the early morning hours of July 19, 2023, after a courageous battle. He was born in Coffee County, GA to Henry and Nancy Cato on December 28, 1940. He was raised on a family farm in South Georgia until he moved to Jacksonville in early 1963.
Charles was employed by Bob’s Barricades and Fire Fighter’s Equipment Company along with being a man of many talents and skills. He was not one to sit around all day. He needed to be busy helping others every day until his illness overtook his health. At the end of his day, he rested well because he truly lived a life of service to others.
He was a proud man. A little strong-will and stubborn (at times), but he also had an enormous heart of gold and sense of pride. He was generous, loving, loyal, dedicated and strong. During his final days, he wished he would have studied more in school and furthered his education. But in reality, he was smarter than he realized. He was clever and filled with life experiences, excellent mechanic, innovator, professional fire system installer, carpenter, and gardener. He could repair anything mechanical.
Charles will be remembered for his generous share of service for his family, friends and church. He truly loved each of them – and if you knew him, you felt his love. When the time came to move to his Heavenly Home, he fought valiantly with strength, dignity and love for those that went before him. Now, he has a new set of eyes to see and lungs to breathe in paradise. He will be terribly missed by all who loved him.
He was a faithful member of Hope for Life Baptist Church, and his ministry was dedicated to service at the church and its members. Chuck’s family deeply thanks and appreciates his church members for the support, prayers and love shared during this difficult time.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Nancy Cato, and siblings, Otis Cato, Brenda Hamontree and Myrtle Bohannon and spouse, LuAnne Cato. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Cynthia Connelly-Paxton (Keith), Donna Britton, his siblings, Gladys Walker, Raymond Cato and Joann Roberson, plus LuAnne’s children, Tony, Brenda, Tommy and Cindy. Grandchildren, Holly Serrano (Frankie), Brandi Britton, Ridge Britton and Trey Britton. Great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Jordyn, Dominic and Maverick. Plus, many nieces and nephews, along with his daily feline companion, Cookie.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Hope for Life Baptist Church, 7725 Ramona Blvd W, Jacksonville, FL 32221. Visitation commences at 11am with the service at 12pm, followed by a graveside service at Riverside Memorial Park. Guests are invited to fellowship after the service at the church.
Art Connelly
August 7, 2023, 12:33 pm
This world lost one good honest and decent man with your passing. It was an honor to have known you. May you rest in peace.
Cynthia Connelly-Paxton
August 14, 2023, 12:12 am
Dad, I know your last few weeks on earth were not easy, but I’m grateful that I was here to hold your hand through the tough decisions we had to make together. It was difficult to see you struggle to breathe and not be able to help. The Lord told me not to go to sleep the last night we were together and I held your hand all night. At 5am, I felt your spirit ascend through my body and knew you went to your Heavenly Home. I will never forget that feeling and I know you are at peace, but I’m struggling and miss you terribly every day. I love you, Dad…. forever, your loving daughter, Cynthia ❤️