Greenville, Florida: Ray Charles Boyhood Home
Musical prodigy Ray Charles lived in this little house from infancy until his mother died when he was 15. Scheduled for demolition in 2006, it was saved by Greenville's mayor (a childhood playmate of Ray's) and restored in 2009. Historical Marker out front.
- Address:
- 443 SW Ray Charles Ave., Greenville, FL
- Directions:
- I-10 exit 241. Drive north on US Hwy 221 for two miles. Turn left onto Overstreet/Hwy 150 (Look for small Greenville Elementary School sign on left). Drive a half-mile. As the road bends left, turn right onto Western Ave./Ray Charles Ave. Drive a quarter-mile. You'll see the historical marker and house on the right.
- Hours:
- By appt via city, call well in advance. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 850-948-2251
- Admission:
- Donation
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Ray Charles Boyhood Home is still in excellent condition and maintained; a gate and fence surround it. Ms Pritchett is alive and well at 89 and still gives tours of the property. However she does need a day or two advance notice through City Hall to provide the tour. City Hall can be reached at (850) 948-2251.
[Brad Watson, 02/14/2019]
Ray lived here until the age of five. Probably constructed during the 1920s, it had no electricity or plumbing. There was a wood-burning stove and a fireplace. A hand-primed pump, next to the house, supplied well water.
[Jon Morgan, 07/01/2018]
Musical prodigy Ray Charles lived in Greenville until he was seven, when his poverty-stricken mother sent him away to the School for Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. Ray returned for frequent visits until his mother died, when he was 15.
The house fell into ruin, and was about to be demolished in 2006 when Greenville mayor Elesta Pritchett -- a childhood playmate of Ray's -- convinced Florida to put up some money to buy and repair the house. It opened as an attraction in 2009. You can see the outside any time, but to get inside you must call city hall. They'll put you in touch with Elesta, and you can schedule a time for her to come over and give the tour in person (Recommended).
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