"I lived in NMB for 4 years, from 1974-1978. 2nd grade to 6th grade. Not long enough that I remember alot of kids but I do remember teachers and one in particular Mr. Catlett. 40 plus years later I hope the Catlett family sees this as a affirmation that he had a positive impact in my life. So many great memories of playing on those fields at Sabal Palm Elementary. Thank you and God Bless you. "
In loving memory of
Cornelius Earl Catlett
September 17, 1936 - July 21, 2018
Earl Catlett, 81, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday July 21, 2018 after a full life surrounded by his family. He was born on September 17, 1936 in Franklinton, NC and attended Wake Forest University and Florida Atlantic University. He is survived by his wife Joyce of 61 years, as well as his brother Al, sons David and Richard, daughter Janelle, grandsons Joshua, Aaron, Jordan, Parker, and great-grandson Grayson.
Earl was a physical education teacher at Sabal Palm Elementary for 33 years where he taught children to love sports. He was an avid sportsman forming a track team the "Roadrunners" and coached girls' soccer where he was named the "Father of Girls Soccer" in North Miami Beach. Earl was also a singer throughout his life where upon retirement from teaching served as music minister at Pembroke Road Baptist Church for 17 years. He was an active member of the church for over 40 years additionally serving as administrator, deacon, and bible teacher where until recently lead bible study. Later in life he became an active member of the Gideon International part of the Hollywood Camp.
A Celebration of Earl's LIfe will take place Thursday July 26, 2018, viewing at 11:00 AM with funeral to follow at 1:00 PM located at Pembroke Road Baptist Church, 7130 Pembroke Road, Miramar, FL. The family invites all of his friends to come and celebrate his life requesting instead of flowers, a donation to be made to the Gideon International, P.O. Box 3958, Hollywood, FL 33023.
Burial will follow at Lauderdale Memorial Park, Fort Lauderdale
Tributes
"Never forget him plays his cd everyday Yvonne Blackwood"
"Dear Earl, There are so many years of wonderful memories of you and Joyce and the kids. How do you put a lifetime of memories in a few words? You were a mainstay of our family at all times, no matter what or where. Your loving kindness lives in every memory of you as well as your forgiving spirit. Dear Earl, you will be sorely missed here on earth. The angels and heaven will rejoice to receive you!"
"Thinking about Mr. Catlett brings back fond memories of relay races, square dancing, jumping rope to the 'popcorn' song, and rainy days playing 7 Up and King Chase Queen at Sabal Palm. More than 30 years later, I still wonder whether he'd chuckle upon learning that the student who grumbled about running track has finished 4 marathons! Thank you Mr. Catlett for teaching me to appreciate sports and fitness!"
"Mr. Catlett inspired me to love physical education. We played all of the sports like soccer, volleyball, softball, basketball, etc.. In the 60?s, the girls and boys were separated, and I loved it because I could excel. He made me feel so good about my sports prowess. He used to say ?Karen Stern could hit a softball further than anyone?. Thank you Mr. Catlett for such great memories. Rest In Peace.. Karen Stern Powers"
"Jackie Nau Francioni"
"Coach Catlett, was the reason that I enjoyed PE class so very much at Sabel Palm Elementary School. some of my memories include, playing crazy 8, kickball, running the 50 yard dash and all of the other challenges for the presidential physical fitness test. He was also my soccer coach. I hope your family is surrounded by wonderful memories of him. With kind regards and condolences, Amy Moon"
"Coach Catlett was my phys. ed teacher at Sabal Palm way back in 1961. I remember him so well. I was a tomboy back then. Still am. I loved to run and Coach encouraged me to get involved in the girls track program. I was talk and thin and All legs back then. Coach thought I was pretty fast but had the potential to run faster if I tried. He taught me to breathe through my nose, keep my elbows in and dog my Keds into the ground. I ran track for three years and into jr. high as well. Coach didn't think I was good enough to be part of the Maypole Ceremony back then but I didn't care. All I wanted to do was run and Coach made us all champions. He was a good teacher and a very kind man. He was tough but he had to be. He taught me how to accept criticism and learn how to lose once in a while. Two great life lessons. Thanks Coach. Rest in peace. You Wil always be a beautiful part of my growing up in North Miami Beach in the 60's. Respectfully, Barbara Fields."
"Coach Catlett was my phys. ed teacher at Sabal Palm way back in 1961. I remember him so well. I was a tomboy back then. Still am. I loved to run and Coach encouraged me to get involved in the girls track program. I was talk and thin and All legs back then. Coach thought I was pretty fast but had the potential to run faster if I tried. He taught me to breathe through my nose, keep my elbows in and dog my Keds into the ground. I ran track for three years and into jr. high as well. Coach didn't think I was good enough to be part of the Maypole Ceremony back then but I didn't care. All I wanted to do was run and Coach made us all champions. He was a good teacher and a very kind man. He was tough but he had to be. He taught me how to accept criticism and learn how to lose once in a while. Two great life lessons. Thanks Coach. Rest in peace. You Wil always be a beautiful part of my growing up in North Miami Beach in the 60's. Respectfully, Barbara Fields."
"Thank you Mr. Catlett. Back in 1969 You gave a little girl the opportunity to run track as a Roadrunner and to play on one of the first all girl traveling soccer teams in NMB throughout the 70's while her very Greek mother protested every step of the way. As young elementary school patrols, you empowered us with community and personal responsibility. Of course, we have you to thank for the square dancing at PE! A bunch of children giggling at the thought of holding hands and dancing together...You had to know that we really loved that time with you. You brought us together and enabled us to forge a bond that we still have. You were amazing and you remain a significant part of my youth as well as the reason I love participating in sports and donating my time and talents to my community to this day. Thank you to the Catlett Family for sharing him with all of us. We often talked to him about you on our rides in the van to various soccer games and track meets. I always thought about how lucky you all were to have him as your dad. He was like a dad to all of us. His memory will always be a blessing. Anastasia Kastrenakes Merkel "
"A coach that every Sabal Palm Elementary student remembers with great fondness !"
"Coach Catlett, I would like to thank your family for sharing you. You were an amazing mentor, teacher, and coach from the time that I was five years old all the way throughout high school. You coached myself Claudia Rodriguez and my sisters Lisa and Karla Rodriguez in soccer and track, you mentored us both in and out of school. When Lisa passed away in 1989 many years after in her adult life you cane to her memorial and comforted my family, thank you kind sir. It is because of your positive influence on my life so many years ago that I am a dedicated elementary school teacher today. I am so honored to have been your student. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to your family kind sir. With love and admiration, Claudia Rodriguez Go Roadrunners! Go Knights! "
"Mr. Catlette was a gentle and kind person who made a profound influence on my life. He was in charge of the girls soccer team. I am proud to have been coached by him from elementary through high school. He cared and watched over us while we traveled around south Florida, Canada and Texas. I frequently reference my experience growing up with Mr Catlette. I later encouraged my children to play soccer and became their soccer coach. Thank you Mr. Catlette for being a role model in my youth. Thank you to the Catlette family for sharing him with your community. With sincere condolences, Stacy Zimmerman Torres Participating events and teams he coached me in: Sabal palm track and field Sabal palm after schools soccer team JFK soccer team Nmb travel soccer team NMB indoor soccer NMB chargers Dade County travel team ?You were a giving man of time and kindness?"
"I just turned 50 and I have fond recollection of Coach Catlett. It is not every teacher who leaves impressions on his students even 35+years ago. May his memory be a blessing! "
"I just turned 50 and I have fond recollection of Coach Catlett. It is not every teacher who leaves impressions on his students even 35+years ago. May his memory be a blessing! "
"Our sincerest condolences. As a former Road Runner I will always remember I won the high jump and the last event of the track meet As a result we won the overall meet ! Catlett and McGuire were so happy ? I had no clue what happened I was just happy to win my event ? Say hello to Rich & Dick and Judy & Barry. The Goodman Family "