6/21/1958 – 4/26/2021
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, step father and friend, Charles C. Landress.
Chuck, as he was known by family and friends, came into the world just under two-pounds. A sickly preemie with the odds seemingly stacked against him.
“Chuck fit, in the palm of my hand.” Dad would say.
The little guy was a medical miracle of survival for mid-twentieth medicine.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Chuck overcame his slight stature by learning Judo as a child. He would often win colorful ribbons during many Saturday morning tournaments.
During the 70s, I was envious of his Shaun Cassidy, flowing hair, his movie-star smile and his 1968 Chevy Camaro.
As an older brother, he was as cool as they came.
Our family shares a love of the sea, and Chuck's favorite hobby was bending a rod in the warm waters off the coast of Jacksonville during the summer months.
I recall a trip when calm seas suddenly swelled to three feet. Just the two of us in his 24' Cape Horn bobbing in bumpy seas while reeling in our lines. Ten miles out on the Atlantic, we made the wise decision to make a dash for Mayport, but spun the prop.
“I have another prop, I never venture offshore without an extra.” He boasted in his best Elvis Presley. He possessed a wonderful singing voice and would often imitate the King.
Without hesitation he leapt into the turbulent sea. Precariously clutching the motor with one hand, he pulled the cotter pin and removed the prop with the other.
“Take the pin, Michael and don't drop it. Then hand me the other prop.”
“Here you go, brother. Don't drop it.” I said with a sheepish grin.
I remember feeling immense pride watching as my badass brother replaced the propeller in those troubled waters. If I would have been alone, the Coast Guard would have located me and the boat days later drifting and starving near the Flemish Cap.
Chuck began a successful career in banking as an IT Specialist with Barnett Bank in Jacksonville. He survived the merger when Barnett ultimately became Bank of America, where he would spend 36 years of his professional life.
He was also a fine chef, often smoking ribs, chicken and fish poolside on the weekends. Always welcoming family, friends and neighbors. He absolutely enjoyed chicken and rice, and he could whip up a hardy pot of gumbo and many more Southern-style dishes.
Chuck was fond of dogs, but loved his cats, Bella and Pretty Kitty.
Perhaps what we – collectively as a family – will remember most, is his huge heart and his willingness to give to family and friends.
He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Fair winds and calm seas, my dear brother.
We love you!
Memorial TBA
Chuck is survived by twin sisters Debra Faust and husband, Bill. Linda Aikman and husband, Gary. Brothers, Mark and I.
Nephews, Michael Miller, Jamie Aikman, Zachary Landress, Noah Landress and nieces, Jessica Cox and Katelyn Miller.
Aunt Charlene Murray and husband, Bill. And, cousins Carolyn Dunn and husband, Bill and Therese Dickinson and husband, Robb.
Step children, Brittany and Justin and their mother, Kerri Landress.
Preceded in death by John A. Landress, father, Janice V. Landress, mother and John P. Landress, brother.
Mchael Landress
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