Charles William Carlson Jr.

Charles William Carlson, Jr., 74, was unexpectedly called to the Lord on November 22, 2022. He was born in Miami, on March 27, 1948, and spend his childhood in various places along the Florida east coast where his father was a bridge construction superintendent. In 1963, the family moved to Fort Myers and put down roots, where Bill attended Fort Myers Junior High School and McGregor Baptist Church. At Fort Myers Junior High School, Bill met Jo Norris, who would later become his wife.
At Fort Myers High School, Bill played both Football and baseball……. lettering his junior and senior years in both football and baseball. In 1966, he played on the only Fort Myers High School Baseball team to reach the finals of the State Baseball Tournament.
Bill attended NorthEastern Oklahoma College, on a football scholarship, but later transferred to University of Southern Mississippi, where as it happened, Jo Norris was also enrolled. Events happened, and in time, Bill & Jo married when they were seniors.
After graduation, they moved to Hollywood, FL where Bill was employed by Sears, Roebuck in their Management program. After 5 years on the east coast, they moved back to Fort Myers where Bill began his appraisal career with Richard P. Webster, Inc. 10 years later, Bill and his brother-in-law, Lee Norris, opened their own appraisal shop, Carlson, Norris & Associates. Professionally, he earned designations of SRA, SRPA, and MAI, Member of the Appraisal Institute, and included South Florida Water Management and the Department of Environmental Protection as former clients. He also worked for Lee County Value Adjustment Board, serving as a Special Magistrate. After 30 years of successful business, Bill semi-retired, continuing to work as an appraiser part time.
During his free time, Bill was active at First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, serving as Chairman of the Deacons for a time and teaching a high school Sunday School Class. He served his community by working with the Pageant of Light for 36 years becoming a Parade Marshall and the parade starter. Bill also was active in Fort Myers Little League for nearly 30 years, coaching, fund raising, announcing for Girls Softball Tournaments, and serving on the Board of Directors. He was honored by being named to the Fort Myers, American, Little League Hall of Fame. For a few years, there was a Norris family farm in east Lee County. Horseback riding, working cows and riding the tractor made for happy family times. Bill and Jo also enjoyed traveling…..visiting many states, and overseas to Singapore, Bali, and England.
Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jo Norris Carlson, daughter Shannon Stone (Doug) of Atlanta, son Beau Carlson, and grandson, William Douglas Stone(Liam). He is preceded in death by parents Charles and Mae Carlson.
Bill was a loving husband and father, a delighted grandfather, a kind friend and just…. a good man.
Services will be Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Citygate Ministries, visitation at 10:00, Service at 11:00 and Graveside at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Myers High School Boosters Club.

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