Charles Breedlove

Charles Breedlove was born on May 5, 1928 in Van Zandt County. He was the youngest of seven children of Jesse and Leta Breedlove. Charles graduated from Tyler High School and attended Texas A&M University, where he excelled in wrestling. He also served in the National Guard. He married the love of his life, Rita Lynne Kennedy Breedlove, on August 27, 1948. They enjoyed 59 wonderful years together. Charles and Rita have three children, Chuck Breedlove and his wife Linda, Mark Breedlove and Lynne Breedlove Sperry and her husband Dr. Bob Sperry. There are four grandchildren, Jason Charles Breedlove, Carrie Leta Breedlove Carson, Robert Austin Breedlove Sperry and Katie Lynne Sperry, a step grandson Stephen James Lockley, three great grandchildren and three great step grandchildren. Charles also has two brothers, Ray Breedlove and Bob Breedlove who are living in the Tyler area. Charles was one of a family of pioneers in the nursery industry. His grandfather William Crider Stallings, was a Methodist minister who in 1906 became the first agricultural agent in the U.S. to serve a single county. Charles' father Jesse Breedlove served as president of the Texas Association of Nurserymen (now the Texas Nursery Landscape Association) and was one of the first rose growers in the East Texas area. Jesse founded Breedlove Nursery in 1927. During the 1950's, Charles and his brother Ray became owners of the retail landscape division of the nursery, known as Breedlove Landscape Co. After 24 years, in 1979 Charles decided to pursue his passion of growing plants and founded Charles Breedlove Nursery which has and will continue to provide quality plants for landscape and garden centers throughout Texas and the surrounding states. Charles was the only surviving son of Jesse Breedlove who was still actively working in the nursery business. Charles was a registered landscape architect, one of the original members of the North East Texas Nursery Growers Association, a member of the Texas Nursery Landscape Association, and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He was chairman of the board of the King's Storehouse Food Bank, past president of the Pine Ridge Water Association and served on numerous church boards. Charles and Rita have been actively involved in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior, most of their lives. They have been members of Park Heights Assembly of God Church for over 15 years. They also have assisted in the founding of many churches in Africa, India, Mexico, The Philippines and around the world. Evangelical Methodist Church (now Grace Community Church), was founded in Charles and Rita's home in Tyler, Texas. Charles, Rita and their children were of the original charter members. Charles leaves a big footprint. He is remembered for many things, especially as being friendly to all and helping any in need: from strangers in a car wreck to helping found the King's Storehouse Food Bank which was the first food bank in East Texas. The King's Storehouse continues today aiding small churches and nonprofit organizations in feeding the needy. Charles continued working and aiding others until November 27th, 2007, the day he went on to be with His Lord. Charles provided the groundwork for others to carry on his ministry of helps. The celebration of Charles' life will be held through visitation on Friday, November 30, 2007 from 6:00-8:oo pm at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. Funeral services will be held at Stewart Family Funeral Home on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 1:00 pm followed by graveside services at Dover Cemetery. Pallbearers include Allen Bennett, Regino Mendoza, Jim Goble, Preston Robichaeux, Jamie Boring, and Jim Cooper. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

Charles Breedlove

May 5, 1928 - November 27, 2007