Charles Franklin Mikesell III

Charles "Charlie" Franklin Mikesell III, 53, passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 7, 2024. Charlie was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 24, 1970, son of Patricia Mikesell (Scanlan) and Charles Franklin Mikesell Jr. (preceded in death on August 15, 2014). Charlie is survived by his wife Sabrina Mikesell (Blackburn) and sons, Xavier Blackburn (29) and Julius "Jules" Charles Mikesell (12). Charlie is also survived by his seven siblings, Anne Michele Pippin (Jayson), George Joseph Mikesell (Cathy), Timothy John Mikesell (Amy McCarty), Elizabeth Mary Taylor (Rob), John Patrick Mikesell (Mary), Joseph Harold Mikesell (Mariz), and Mary Kathleen Mikesell (Jamie Cianfarani). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Emily Stone (Jonathan, Eleanor), Allison Pippin, Henry Mikesell (Hannah), Megan Pippin, Robert Taylor, Lauren Davis (Dale), Grace Mikesell, Alexandra Taylor, Jackson Taylor, Emma Taylor, Brianna Mikesell, Maggie Mikesell, Amelia Mikesell, Frances Mikesell, and Theodore Mikesell.

Charlie was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend. He showed love greater than anyone. He loved nothing more than seeing his son happy interacting with his friends, classmates, teammates, and family. He prided himself on taking care of his family in any way we needed him. Charlie was the person who helped with all the mundane tasks - like cleaning the house, yardwork, helping a friend move, painting rooms, and washing cars. He never complained or thought twice about lending a hand. Charlie demonstrated his gratitude to his loved ones by acts of service and through giving.

Charlie grew up and was educated in Riverview, Michigan where he graduated from Riverview High School in 1988. He then obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in business in1992 from Michigan State University. Next, he earned his Master's Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University’s Graduate College. Last, he received his Master’s Degree in School Administration from Wingate University.

Professionally, Charlie was a dedicated educator for over twenty-five years, teaching students from kindergarten through high school in CTE business education. Charlie never saw a child as just a “student”. He considered the entire child and poured into countless students. He not only inspired children inside of the classroom, but served as a football, basketball, and golf coach for countless seasons, following in the footsteps of his father. His most recent position at Davidson K-8 School allowed him to flourish as Athletic Director, leading the coaches and their student athletes. Even with his extensive involvement at the school, Charlie cherished his time coaching his son Jules in soccer and football.

Charlie loved spending time with his wife Sabrina and her family in Alabama. He also loved his community and treated his neighbors like family. He was active on the HOA Board helping his community be a lovely place in which to live and raise children. Many of our neighbors knew Charlie, as he would often be found in the front yard playing catch with Jules.

Charlie was a huge Carolina Panthers fan and spent many Sundays taking Jules to the games. He also enjoyed playing golf with his son Jules, his buddies and just being active. During the summers, Charlie loved to go to the pool in the summer with his family. Then he would come home to grill dinner for Sabrina and Jules. After dinner, Charlie and Sabrina would often play Scrabble and Jenga together. They had a playful competition with a running tally of who held the title for winning.

Charlie will be remembered as someone who always made his family, friends, and students feel loved, appreciated, and important.

A Celebration of Charlie's Life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 10, 2024 in the chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service. Visitation 10:00 AM until the time of service. Condolences may be shared at www.forestlawnwest.com.