It is with a heavy heart that the family of Charles” Chuck” Parsons announce his passing on February 12, 2022 at the age of 78.

Chuck was born in Bronxville, NY and is preceded in death by his parents Sally and John Parsons.  Chuck graduated from Kents Hill School in Maine and a Bachelor’s Degree from Union College in Kentucky.

He was teaching middle school history in Ohio when he was drafted in 1969.  He entered the Army in 1969 and served as a combat medic in Vietnam. He earned the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Army Commendation, Army Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service, Meritorious Unit, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14), Marksman (Rifle M-16), . He ended his military career with the rank of E5 in the 1st Cavalry Division, 12th Cavalry Regiment. He was so proud of his service and over 30 combat assaults.

Chuck dedicated his careers to helping others from working in Alachua County Schools as a truant officer, then working at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Gainesville and Pinellas Park. He finished his 30-year career with the State of Florida at the Department of Labor and Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division.

His true love was sailing. He had many sailboats in his life and taught sailing in Maine summer camps. He was a member and former commodore of the Gulf Hunter Sailing Association. He helped to plan and race in many regattas. He was a member of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club for many years. Our favorite times were on the water, under sail, going to a new adventure.

SP5 Charles “Chuck” Parsons funeral will be 2:30 PM, March 3, 2022 at the Bay Pines VA National Cemetery, 1000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida  33744 with the American Legion Post 10209 and the US Army Honors and Ceremonial Team providing full military honors.