Charles Philip Cozart

Life's Reflections

Charles Philip Cozart was born December 11, 1932 in Harriman, Tennessee. He was the only child born to the union of Fred and Sylvia Johnson Cozart.

His family were active members of the Baptist Church in Harriman where he attended church regularly. After moving to Cleveland, he became affiliated with the Wesley Memorial AME Church sang in the choir and served on the Board of Trustees. While residing in Orlando, Charles attended Carter Tabernacle CME Church.

Charles was known as a great storyteller and he loved to share his experiences from his early days. He especially loved to tell the story of playing baseball with his father's team while he was still in high school. Charles was the much heralded quarterback of Campbell High School in Rockwood, Tennessee. He was an all-star athlete competing in football, baseball, and track and field. While in high school he was recruited to play with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos against the great Satchel Paige of the Birmingham Black Barons. This is one of the fondest memories that he loved to share. Following his high school career, Charles was recruited to play quarterback for Savannah State. After graduating, he played in the Continental Football League which led to him being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Through his tenure with the Browns, he was a running back during the great Jim Brown era.

Charles served honorably in the United States Army for two years as a Military Police. He was later employed by the Mammoth Insurance Company in Cleveland and then transferred to St. Louis and ultimately Detroit. He worked for thirty-five years in the insurance industry rising to the position of District Manager for Mammoth and United Insurance Companies.

The career plan was that Charles would return to Cleveland after his stint in Detroit, but he decided to stay after being introduced to the then Mary Irene Jones. He and his beloved wife Mary were wed on January 19, 1972. God blessed them with one son, Jacques. After many visits to Orlando, the family made this their permanent residence in 1995.

Charles was a fun-loving guy and always socially active. He comically coined the name ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) for his breakfast group. He was a past member of The Hosts of Orlando, and a Founding member of the Thursday Swingers Golf League. Charles was an avid golfer. It was well known that he could hit a golf ball, and he loved the game.

Charles was a legendary story teller and enjoyed telling jokes. With his charismatic style, one could never be sure if his story was fact or fiction all while laughing at this own story.

Charles Cozart leaves with cherished and loving memories: his devoted wife, Mary; four children - Frederick of Atlanta, GA, Charles of Oakland, CA, Tonya of Columbus, OH and Jacques (Jessica) of Ft. Sill, OK. Also left to mourn are five grandchildren - Alana, Tatiana, Alauni, Zaileah, and Jacques II, and his half-sister, Sandy. Also left to mourn are numerous cousins, extended family members and close friends.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, February 11, 2016, beginning 11:00 AM, at Carter Tabernacle CME Church, 1 S Cottage Hill Rd, Orlando, FL 32805. A memorial fund for the Cozart family has also been established at the church. For donations or inquiries, please contact the church at (407) 295-4931.

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