Charles Fabian Daise, 73, of Largo, Florida passed away on October 4, 2016 after a brief illness. Charles was born on September 18, 1943 in Savannah, Georgia to Harold and Louise (Johnson) Daise. Charles was educated in the Chatham County Public School system in Savannah, where he developed his passion for excellence and servant-leadership. Always and forever an optimist, Charles believed and lived the mantra, “Anything is possible, if you only believe!”.
Biography
Charles Daise joined the Armed Forces and served in the United States Army for 30 years performing with distinction in occupations such as Drill Instructor and Paratrooper. He retired at the rank of Sergeant Major. According to Army News, less than 1% of soldiers who raise their right hands the day of enlistment will reach the rank of Sergeant Major. This in itself was a great accomplishment. Sergeant Major’s last duty assignment prior to his retirement was as the Senior Army Advisory Group with the 3rd Brigade, 40th Infantry Division.For 30 years, this Soldier’s Soldier set standards that garnered him the respect of the troops (enlisted and Officers) he taught and lead. Charles always referred to the U.S. Army as “My Army”.
Awards and Decorations
At the time of his retirement Sergeant Major Daise was eligible to wear the Legion of Merit Award, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Award, the nine Good Conduct Awards, the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Award, three Vietnam Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon #4, the Army Services Ribbon, four Overseas Service Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Expert Rifleman Badge, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. Among all of the accolades and accomplishments he received during his lifetime, Charles was most proud of being a father, a Christian, and a positive role model for his family and closest friends. Command Sargeant Major Daise was preceded in death by his brother, William; his sister, Miriam; and his son, Andre. Sargeant Major Daise will be remembered by his daughters: Sabrina, Soni, Tracey, and Vanessa, his son: Chad; his brother: Jody; and a special confidante/companion, Christina, and a host of relatives, friends, and comrades.
Military Honors
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Bay Pines National Cemetery with the United States Army providing military honors.
Expressions
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
-Janice M. Fair-Salters
My dear:
The world has lost the most amazing man that was ever created. You have always exuded qualities such as humility, intelligence, kindness, determination, loyalty, compassion and most of all forgiveness; not to mention your humor. We shared so many laughs and so many adventures. You have been a true inspiration to me as well as so many people all over the world. I’ve enjoyed all the wonderful times we have had. The memories will live on forever.
I know you’re smiling down on me and telling me to fight on. It’s because of you that I will continue to reach my highest height and overcome any obstacle life presents. My love, you will forever live in my heart.
Signed,
The love of your life.
Family and friends are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
“My Father was a man that loved the Lord, a man with integrity.”
He serve this country for more than 32 years. I remember the first time that I saw him in his uniform looking so proud, Walking like he own the world.
My father is a man like no other, but most importantly he loved me, his grandsons, family and friends unconditionally.
Those we love are never truly gone. The body may have run its course, but the soul lives forever.
I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, it will never be the same. Years from now I know my heart will still ache, but I know that God heals our broken hearts. I know one day I’ll see you again and it will be like we were never apart.
I know my Daddy is with God wrapped up in His arms sheltered from all illness and sorrow keeping him from harm.
I know my Daddy see’s us all still mourning. That’s not what he wanted, but it’s so hard not to. I know that he would want us to be happy that he no longer has to suffer anymore. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Your life in paradise has only just begun.
There’s not enough words I can say to describe just how important my father was to me and what a powerful influence he continues to be.
Daddy!!! Thank you for loving me unconditionally, thank you for unforgettable memories, that I will cherish forever.
Love always and forever your baby girl Tracie.
Crossing the Bar
BY ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar
LOVINGLY REMENBERED BY ALL YOUR NEPHEWS AND NIECES AND BROTHER
YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO “WELL DONE’
Christina,
Getting to know you has been a wonderful experience. I have one huge regret, that I never met the Sergeant Major. I have had the honor of traveling with the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Gene Overstreet, on official visits to bases, Arlington National Cemetery and Quantico. I wish you and all his friends could see how a Sergeant Major is treated on base! It is ultimate respect. They are gifted leaders. So it is a great honor for all of us at Veterans Funeral Care to be involved in his final arrangements and Military Honors. Please call us for anything you need. I can’t spoil the Sergeant Major but I can spoil you and your family. When you come in, we all smile! You have become part of the family.
Jim Rudolph
President
Veterans Funeral Care
“Rest in Peace”
Uncle Charles
We love You
From The Treehouse
My uncle (my Tio),
You fought hard. You fought long. Take your rest. This isn’t goodbye. This is so long for now. See you on the other side.
Good job and well done.
Miriam Danette
May the senior drill sergeant rest in peace