Charles "Chuck" Donald Vaughn

Born September 17, 1937 in Athens, TN to Harry Vaughn and Edith Clayton, Chuck was a tremendous high school athlete who received a full football scholarship to The University of Tennessee. Life, however, is full of unexpected twists and turns, and Chuck found himself enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and beginning a military career that would span 42 years. At the end of his enlistment in the Marines, Chuck joined the U.S. Navy as a hospital independent corpsman, holding sick call aboard ship. He rose through every enlisted rank in the Navy, from E-1 seaman recruit to E-9 Master Chief. Upon achieving the rank of Master Chief, he was selected for Officer Candidate School and received his commission as an Ensign.

As a Medical Corps Service officer, Chuck served as an Environmental Officer and Personnel Officer at various commands, including the United States Naval Academy, NARMC Pensacola, COMNAVSURFLANT, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital and its outlying clinics. Highly regarded for his knowledge, work ethic, and commitment to his fellow corpsmen, Chuck’s career was characterized by his strong sense of responsibility and moral code.

During his illustrious career as a naval officer, Chuck met the love of his life, Patricia (Patty). He was a devoted family man, and he and Patty centered their life in the Tidewater area after welcoming their adored son, Nicholas (Nick), while stationed in Norfolk, VA. Chuck spent his last tour of duty as the Medical Logistics Planner at the Supreme Allied Command (SACLANT) in Norfolk. At that time, Chuck traveled extensively to the European NATO countries, which he considered one of the highlights of his naval career. Patty and Nick joined him on many of these trips, which remain some of the family’s most cherished memories.

Chuck was an avid golfer, before and after his retirement. Known as a loyal friend with a playful sense of humor, his golfing buddies felt most honored when he affectionately referred to them as “Shipmates.” A well-loved member of his community, he is remembered by his family and friends for his special love of children and animals. Chuck never missed an opportunity to hold a baby or spoil a pet.

To the end, his interest in the state of the world never waned. He remained well-informed, reading the paper and watching the news daily – and was always ready to share his thoughts on current events. Chuck got a special kick out of shows such as Judge Judy and had seen nearly every significant movie released in recent decades. He was a man who put family first and always wanted to be of help and service.

He is survived by his wife Patty, his son Nick and his wife Eliza, and his two granddaughters, Alice and Madeline. Chuck was preceded in death by his siblings, Ed Vaughn and Joyce Vaughn.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, September 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. An inurnment will occur Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM at A. G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, Virginia 23434. You may offer condolences and view the entire obituary at www.kellumfuneralhome.com

The Vaughn family extends their heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff and team of doctors at Portsmouth Naval Hospital for their compassion, kindness, care, and respect shown to their fellow Shipmate during his time of illness.