Mr. Charles Curtis Golden, 62
Charles Curtis Golden, 62, of Saint Mary’s, GA and Merritt Island, FL entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on September 28, 2023 at 8:00 pm at Camden Campus South East Hospital in Saint Mary’s.
Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 2 at Parker-Bramlett Funeral Home in Camilla with Rev. Mike Newsome officiating. Graveside service was 2:00 p.m. at Beulah Holiness Baptist Church Cemetery in Adel.
Pallbearers will be Logan Golden, David Folds, Carter Peddycoart, Tim Brooks, Rick Faircloth and Chris Anglin.
Charles was a true gentleman and lived an honorable life. A space nut since 7 years old and was living a lifelong dream of being at NASA, Cape Canaveral Space X. His dream was fulfilled with 14 years of service at NASA. He also played in a band on the weekends with his favorite Fresh Water band, and one of the best guitarist around. He was a member of First Christian Church Merritt Island, FL.
Charles was born October 2, 1960 in Valdosta, GA at Pine View Hospital. He spent the first five months of his life in an Isolette machine. He was the only child of Charles Robert Golden and Jacklon Latrelle (Bill) Simmons Cranford and the grandson of Challie Ocy and Nina Bell Montgomery Simmons and Ivory Leo Golden and Ebber Bellflower Golden.
Charles had a busy, happy life and a childhood typical of a small town including Douglas, Adel, and Camilla, GA. He graduated from Mitchell Baker High School and continued his studies at Valdosta State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He was an honor graduate with perfect scores and was honored by Dean Dr. Hugh Bailey with a special award for his scores. He was elected a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. He also graduated from Georgia Military College as an honor graduate with perfect scores and earning an Associate of Applied Science, General Studies.
He was a 24 year Veteran of the United States Navy serving upon S5BN 729 Georgia Nuclear Submarine, USS Maine, USS Rhode Island, USS Kentucky and USS Campus Nuclear Submarine. He received many awards throughout his career, honored in Strategic System Program, Fleet Ballistic Missile Program for Significant Contributions, a Naval and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Dedicated Service, Department of Navy award for Navy and Marine Corps achievement as a Chief Missile Technician for his dedicated Service, special award for Weapons Assistance Nuclear Surety and Training, special award from Trident training facility for dedicated instruction, award for Professional and Superior performance of duties serving as Missile Technician Leading Chief on USS Rhode Island Nuclear Submarine, honored on USS 729 Georgia Submarine for extraordinary performance as a Fire Control Technician Ballistic (SS). He received the Department of Navy’s highest good conduct award for faithful, zealous, obedient Naval Service (one of seven), award for excellent student for career counseling and information studies.
When MTC Charles retired from the Navy he went to work with General for 2 years. He advanced his career and worked for L3 Harris in Washington, DC and Cape Canaveral Space X, FL, award from the Strategic Systems Program Director for the Significant Contribution in support of the United States Navy Fleet Ballistic Missile Program, an award MTC (SS) for Special Weapons Assistant Nuclear Surety and training March 1986-1997, an appreciation award for dedicated service 1995-1997 from Rear Admiral U.S. Navy Director of Strategic Systems Programs and when promoted to Chief he received an award from the Navy, which stated positive work to accomplish this promotion.
Survivors include his mother, Latrelle Cranford of Camilla; two sons Ryan Matthews Golden of Moultrie and Raymond Garrett Golden (Amanda) of St. Marys; daughter Cari Thompson Peddycoart (Chris) of Jacksonville; grandchildren Logan, Bryson, Ella, and Emillie Golden, Taylor Solmone (Jeffery), Kendall Dill, Carter Joseph, Canyon Peddycoart; a brother in love Mukun Desia (Menna0; three grandsons in love Keyur, Vachach, Prakash Desia; great grandchildren Nova and Cade Solmone; step brother Ladon Cranford (Tina) and special friend Randy Thornton.
Visitation was from 4 – 6 p.m. Sunday, October 1 at Parker-Bramlett Funeral Home in Camilla.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Liver Foundation www.liverfoundation.org.
Parker-Bramlett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guest registry, visit our website at www.parkerbramlett.com.