Charles Marion Hendrix Jr. passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2021 at the age of 93.  Charlie (PawPaw) was born on April 20 ^th 1927 in Orlando Florida to Charles Sr. and Eunice Hendrix.

He married Margaret and together they raised three children.  He is survived by Sandra Jo, Walter Steve and Donald Lee (Bonnie) and six grandchildren: Todd (Christine) Angel, Kelli (Bill) Williams, Jennifer (Matt) Chilcote, John Hendrix, Bobby Job and Terry Stewart.  Also surviving him are five great grandchildren:  Caleb Angel, Truman Angel, Natalie Williams, Ryan Job and Morgan Seaward.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Hugh, sister Jeannie and wife Margaret.

He entered the Marine Corps for World War II as a Medic in the Pacific Theater initially at Pearl Harbor.  He was transferred to the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman for the Korean conflict. He received an honorable discharge.

He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Food and Agricultural Sciences which prepared him for a long, distinguished career in the Citrus Industry.  He was always a loyal Gator!

Charlie's active citrus career spanned over 50 years. He began work with Fosgate Citrus followed by the USDA, Winter Garden Citrus, Redd Laboratories, Citrus Central, Golden Gem Growers, Intercit (Firmenich) and Tico Fruit.

In 1963, Charlie and family moved to Araraquara, Brazil as a result of him being selected to join a team of citrus experts lead by Dr. James Redd of Redd Laboratories to build the first modern citrus plant, Suconasa/Cutrale.  This was to provide an alternative source of fruit following the devasting freeze of 1962.  The Team returned to Brazil in 1966 to build the second modern citrus processing plant in Bebedouro, Brazil.  Given the devastation of the Florida Citrus Industry from disease, the vision 60 years ago has saved the global orange juice industry.

As a result of his vast citrus knowledge and expertise, Charlie is well published. He was a contributing author to CITRUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY VOL I & II, the standard reference materials. He also co-authored QUALITY CONTROL MANUALS FOR CITRUS PROCESSING PLANTS, Volumes I, II and III. These volumes continue to be the leading reference guides for the global industry and appear on the bookshelves in all citrus laboratories.

Awards from his participation and contribution to the Citrus Industry are too numerous to mention. Charlie was the longest standing participant in the annual UF Citrus Short Course (Institute of Food & Agricultural Science).

In his personal life, "PawPaw" was a dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was very active in the Church of Christ as a faithful member and deacon for many years.

Charlie was a genteel and patient person and he always had a kind word for everyone. He touched many lives in a special way. He will be missed, but his legacy will remain.

2 Timothy 4:7 " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith".

There is a crown laid up for him!

Given the COVID-19 restrictions, private graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021, for family only.  In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted at:

FLORIDA COLLEGE

119 N. ARVEN AVENUE

TEMPLE TERRACE, FLORIDA  33617

Please note on check:  Memorial contribution for Charles M. Hendrix, Jr./Library Fund