Charles, known by most as Chuck, was born in Detroit, MI on July 10, 1944. His family relocated to Gulfport, FL when he was 12 years old where his father opened Horan Bait & Tackle. At age 17, Chuck joined the US Navy and served on the USS Mars for two tours in Vietnam. He achieved a rank of E5 and after 8 years of service with the Navy, he returned home to Gulfport, FL.
His passion for boats and fishing led him to the next step in his journey at the State of Florida where he was eventually the captain of a research vessel, ‘The Suncoaster’. This is also the time when he met his wife, Marcia. After knowing each other for only 3 short weeks, they were married at sea, Latitude 26 degrees 12 North, longitude 82 degrees 27 West. An injury aboard the Suncoaster ended his sea faring days and transitioned him to land jobs within the State of Florida. He spent over 30 years between the University of South Florida and New College in Sarasota before his career as the Director of the Physical Plant ended in 2012.
Aside from his career as a Captain, Chuck was also the captain for his family and friends as they spent time together on the family’s personal boat. You could always find him tinkering in the driveway and he would always have the tool and the knowledge that you needed. He was an RC fancier and shared his love of all things remote control, cars, planes and boats. Chuck always had a dog by his side, specifically taking a liking to Dobermans and was known for sneaking them treats from the dinner table. “Coach Chuck” spent a number of years volunteering his time at Bay Point Little League while his daughter Amber played softball. Chuck was an avid gun collector and Lifetime Member of the NRA.
Charles Horan is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Marcia Horan, of Palmetto, FL, three children and their spouses Faithe Grzeskowiak (Steve), Jason Wheaton (Joanne), and Amber Ray (Donnie). He was lovingly known as “Papa Chuckles” to his three grandchildren, Olivia, Aubrey, and Storm. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Marrillia and his nephews Fredrick and Charles Lyman. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Margaret Horan.
A ceremony will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Saint Petersburg, FL 33744 on Friday, April 14, 2023, starting promptly at 2:30pm at the Committal Shelter near the Columbarium. Following the ceremony, a Celebration of Life will be held at War Veteran’s Memorial Park - Shelter #2, 9600 Bay Pines Blvd, Saint Petersburg, FL 33708. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s www.neurochallenge.org.
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