Charles Harry Martin (Col USAF, Ret) “Headed West” July 4, 2020
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings”
Charles Harry Martin, Colonel USAF (RET), passed away on July 4, 2020, at his home where he has resided for 42 years. He was born in NYC to Clarence and Florilda Martin of Cranston, RI.
Charlie graduated from Cranston High School and Bryant College before enlisting in the Air Force. He received his wings at the ripe old age of 19 and went on to a most rewarding career of 28 years in the USAF flying his favorites, the F86, F-100, and F4E. Later, he graduated from Command and Staff College while receiving his MBA from George Washington University.
In December of 1966, he was assigned to Danang AB, South Vietnam where he flew 144 missions (100 north). Returned and was assigned to Edwards AFB as one of 3 TAC pilots on the F-4E initial test program.
In November of 1970, he was assigned for a special position in Israel, an experience he and his entire family enjoyed.
May of 1977 found him and the family happily moved back to FWB. He retired after his last assignment of being appointed as Deputy Chief of Armament & Avionics.
After retiring from the USAF Charlie opened his own real estate brokerage, The Charles Martin Agency, and then retire-retired in 1987.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joe and his 1st wife, Kate, the mother of his children. He is survived by his daughter Leslie Tucker, son Chad (Charles, Jr.), wife Melody and by his stepchildren, Lisa Panos and Leland Lindsey, wife Crystal and five fine grandchildren of whom he was very proud, Kyle Tucker, Quinton Lindsey, Theodore, and Clifford Panos and Derick Townsend.
Charlie was a member of the Eglin Yacht Club for over 40 years and served as Commodore.
He was a proud member of the “George “Bud” Day” order of Daedalians flight 61 and a member of the Super Sabre Society and Assn.
He was a skilled hunter, fisherman, and boater. Loved reading his conservative magazines, watching his birds, and doing crosswords. He and his wife of 33 years, Linda Gail, loved traveling, entertaining friends and family, and enjoying Happy Hour on their deck as Charlie partook of his gin martini and cigar, being the “Officer and Gentleman” that he was. We thank Lisa Marshall for her loving care, Hospice of the Emerald Coast, and Home Instead.
A graveside service was held on July 16, 2020, at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.
In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Hospice of the Emerald Coast or the charity of your choice. Expressions of love and sympathy can be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com
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Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on July 12, 2020. [Slightly edited to make current.]