Rev. Charles Henry Milton, 79

Charles Henry Milton passed away on Saturday, September 4th 2021 at the age of 79.

Charles was born on December 12, 1942 in Jasper, Florida, to the late Wilmer A. Milton Sr. and Doris P. Milton. Charles’ family moved to Lakeland, Florida, at an early age. He was educated in the Polk County school system at Rochelle’s Elementary, Junior -Senior High Schools in Lakeland. Charles received a B.S. degree in Music from Florida A&M University in 1964, where he was a member of the “Marching 100” for four years. He served his country in the United States Army and obtained the rank of Captain. Charles was in the Vietnam War and was awarded several Bronze medals for outstanding service.

Charles, an ordained minister, received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Lakeland. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) and Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon graduating Rev. Milton served as Assistant Dean at Morehouse School of Religion. He pastored Macedonia Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia, and Harmony Baptist Church, Lakeland, Florida, before the founding of the Church of Life Christian Center in Lakeland. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. For many years he ministered the Life Changing Winning Material, Radio Ministry, on station WWAB in Lakeland. He was a Public School Educator, retiring in 2011 from the Pasco County School District.

Charles married Francine Paul in 1982. The couple enjoyed a beautiful and long marriage. His hobbies included playing the trumpet, playing tennis, artistic sketching and cruising. Rev. Charles H. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, his infant daughter, Carla H. Milton, infant son, Cornelius Isaiah Milton, brother, Wilmer A. Milton Jr. and son, Carleton Milton. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of thirty nine years, Francine, two birth sons Craig Milton (Nichelle), Connelle Milton and adopted sons Frank Windham-Milton and Paul Windham-Milton (Jodie), seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, and his “House” daughter Nikia Lovett-Sawyer, St. Augustine, Florida.

Visitation will be held at New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (2122 N Martin Luther King Jr Avenue Lakeland, FL 33805) from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 10th. A funeral service will immediately follow. Condolences may be sent to the family at Oldham Funeral Home.