Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We never forget. I signed up with JSO in 1989 and never had the privilege of working with Charles Ray but did work with and around his family.

Continued blessings from God on the Shinholser family.

Patrick G.

Ret. Sgt. Patrick B. Geisenburg
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

June 10, 2020

Blessed to have worked with him, and a personal friend.

Missing our heroes!

December 16, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Shinholser.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 13, 2019

I have known Ray’s parents Charles, Sr. and Virginia for many years. They are a wonderful couple. Many survivors were saddened to receive news of the death of Ray’s mother on June 28 or 29. We will miss seeing her in DC every year. I’m sure Charles will be lost without her but I know his family both biological and blue will rally around him to help him through this sad time.
In 1988 Ray recorded the song “When’s Daddy Coming Home” to honor another Jacksonville, Florida officer killed in 1983 in the line of duty. Shortly after he finished the recording Ray himself was killed in the line of duty. His young son’s voice was added at the end of the song for that reason. This was found on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F9oc8pDjDSg

Rest In Peace Ray and Virginia.

Tammie Elliott-Gehle
Surviving Spouse of
Sgt. Robert (Bobby) Elliott
Miami County, Ohio SO
EOW 02/25/1987

July 13, 2018

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

This was posted on Facebook today. I just wanted it to be here so that others could hear it. God bless you sir. Rest easy. https://youtu.be/F9oc8pDjDSg

Deputy
T. Luttrell

July 8, 2016

This song was played at the memorial in Madison, with the yr my father died....I'd love to hear it again...my searches have failed...love to all officers and families..

vanessa aquino
daughter

March 18, 2015

I remember Ofc. Shinholser. My mom worked for JSO at the time in the jail. I remember how upset she was. We were just talking about him about an hour ago and the song that he did for Ofc. Gary Bevel. I can still hear it in my head. Unfortunately, during one of our moves I have lost the cassette. If there is a way to get it again I would love to have it. Blessings to the family and friends that still remember him.

Katie Blomquist Rittner

May 3, 2013

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero. My heart andn prayers are with your mom, dad and family today and always. Continue to rest in peace Officer Shinholser.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

December 14, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Shinholser. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

HEROES live forever and you sir are a hero, we will never forget the sacrifice you made for all of us. My prayers are with your parents and family today as they face another EOW. Time does not heal the pain in our hearts, it only makes it easier to get up each day and move on.


Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

December 14, 2011

We will never forget our heroes who gave all... Your mom and dad are truly angels here are earth to many, I know you must be so very proud of them. Thank you sir for your service, protection and dedication.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

December 14, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you.
Both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 14, 2009

Charles Ray Jr.,
I did not know you personally, but I've known your father for several years and met your family this past weekend at an event for COPS 25th Ann. down in Lake Wales. I feel I have gotten to know you a little through your family. One can only say that they truly care, and will say a solid pray for the families of our fallen brothers and sisters!!
Blue skies to those who look up at you while you look down upon us!!

Blue skies; Montgomery County PD MD

January 14, 2009

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW WE HAVENT FORGOT BROTHER.

TRF OFC G V DAUNHAUER
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFFICE

December 14, 2007

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 13, 2007

you are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

May you rest in peace and may Our Lord bless you and your loved ones.

December 14, 2006

Thank you for the life you lived and for your sacrifice. This time of year can be very difficult for the family, friends and coworkers. May God's peace surround you all.
Dad & Stepmom of Julie Jacks, Chattanooga Police Department (TN) EOW 05.06.02

Frank & Charlene

December 13, 2006

Ray and I went to Georgia Bible Camp together for many years growing up. I have many great memories of Ray. My wife and I kept his children while he and his wife went snow skeeing. I rode with Ray in his patrol car while he served as a ET. We are the same age. 30 years is just not long enough to live. I truely miss Ray along with countless others who knew and loved the man. He was a faithful Christian and well respected.

Larry Stokes

December 1, 2006

Our family continues to miss Ray, and especially at times like this Police Memorial Month of May. Through his death, though, our parents have become very involved in helping other families of officers killed in the line of duty through COPS. Ray would be very proud of them for turning the tragedy of dealing with his death into a way to help others. I hope people are still listening to his song, "When's Daddy Coming Home". What a wonderful way to remember a wonderful man - and we get to still hear his voice. It's great. We still love and miss you, little brother!

Robin Shinholser Cotchaleovitch
Sister

May 10, 2006

I don't remember a lot about my dad, as he died when I was 8. What I do remember is he was always kind and loving to myself and my brother. He was always smiling and laughing. Always singing.

I'm glad there is a place like this site where others can come and see the good men and women, like my dad, who touched the lives of others, however brief their time may have been. Our "boys in blue" aren't just out there waiting to catch us going 5 miles over the limit or to hassel us about a broken tail light. They are real people with families who love them. And they risk their lives every day for complete strangers.

They deserve respect and it makes me glad in my heart that there is a place like this that celebrates the lives of those who sacrificed themselves for the protection of others.

Amanda Shinholser Pagano, daughter
none

January 20, 2006

Man - does my heart tear in two seeing this!!!

This was one of the BEST men around ... what a role model in both his personal and professional life!!!

I will NEVER forget him .. nor his song put out on tape.

To the family - keep up the wonderful work keeping these fallen heroes in everyone's memories. Thanks for the push on the police memorial - I fully plan to visit it in the near future!

Miss you ... terribly!

B Brown

August 6, 2005

To: Officer Shinholser Family

I brought one of Ray's Tape " When is Daddy Coming Home" a long time ago in Washington DC when I was attending the opening of the Police Memorial. I listen to it all the time and it still gets to me every time. Due to the age of the tape I sure could used another copy if ya still have some. Iam so sorry for your lost, I hope and pray you and the children are doing fine.

Sgt. Charlie Allbright
Houston Police Dept.

April 5, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Shinholser, Jr. Our beloved Officer Grim, Sr. is now with him, and will watch over us all. May God bring peace to this family as we ask for our own peace at this time of the year. We have not met, but we are grateful for the work this family does for others as they know their pain.

Bobby, Kelli, and Abigail Grim

wife of Det. Bobby Grim, Jr.
Daytona Beach Police Dept.

December 14, 2004