May 12, 1936 - July 1, 2024
Bradenton, Florida - Dr. Charles T. Polis Jr. passed away July 1, 2024. Charlie was born May 12, 1936, in Louisa, Virginia, to the late Charlie and Virginia Polis. He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara Polis, and his four siblings. He is survived by his three children, Chuck (Debbie) Polis, Laurie (Roger) Smith, Sherrie (Chris) Wirtz and 5 grandchildren, Sarah, Caroline, Chaz, Amber and Aubrey.
Charlie was a first generation Lebanese American, the youngest of 5 children and the only member of his family to attend college. He attended the University of Richmond on an academic scholarship and graduated, with honors, with a degree in chemistry. It is at the University of Richmond where he met his future wife, Barbara. He then attended the Medical College of Virginia, again on an academic scholarship, where he earned his medical degree. After medical school and his internship in Ohio, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Charlie completed the School of Aerospace Medicine at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Having spent 11 years in the Air Force, completing his urology residency, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. Upon his discharge he, Barbara and their three children moved to Bradenton, Florida where he established his private practice in urology.
He always loved the sunshine and warmth of Florida and being able to play tennis twelve months a year. He was so thrilled to spend the rest of his life here.
Charlie was well loved by his peers, co-workers, staff and especially his patients. He was so loved by his co-workers that he was awarded the very first Blake Memorial Hospital "Doctor of the Year" in 1983. An award that is voted on each year by the medical staff and employees of the hospital. He was always sure to recognize those around him, whether he knew them, or not, with a simple "Hello", a smile and a wave. Watching him taught us that sometimes the greatest gift we can give is to just acknowledge someone else's existence.
Charlie retired in 2014 at the age of 78. Even at that age, it was difficult for him to walk away as the only thing he loved as much as his children and grandchildren was practicing medicine. His incredible intelligence, love and compassion positively impacted the lives of all the patients under his care. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
There will be no public service, only a private family gathering. In honor of Charlie, memorial contributions may be directed to Tidewell Hospice, or just simply acknowledge someone else's existence. Maybe play John Denver's "Sunshine on My Shoulders", think of Charlie and smile. That would be the greatest gift of all.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
