Charles “Charlie” Stanley Head, 66, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away on May 8, 2017, at the Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. He was born in Atlanta, GA, moved to Florida in 1988 and to Treasure Island in 2000. He went to Lakeshore High School in College Park, GA and Clayton College in Forest Park, GA.
Charlie, a Vietnam veteran, served his country in the United States Army where he was a Flight Line Avionics Mechanic. He served with the 156th Avn Co (RR) out of Can Tho, and then with the 146th AVN Co out of Long Thanh. He was a Marksman with the rifle and received the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device.
Flying was a passion. Because of his love of flying, he started flying lessons at the age of sixteen and later also received his seaplane rating and glider. He was a Pilot who logged over 21,500 hours of flight time without an accident or violation. He was a member of the ALPA and the AOPA.
He was a Captain on a wide variety of aircraft including the DC-3, Turbine Beech-18, DC-9, B-727, B-737, B-757 and the B-767. He worked for Academy Airlines, Orion Air, and Ryan International Airlines. He flew both passenger operations and freight for the Departments of Defense and Justice, Sports Teams, Vacation Charters and private charters.
Charlie saw many parts of the world that most people will only see in pictures. He also landed and took off on some of the most dangerous airports in the world. These include Diego Garcia in the central Indian Ocean and Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to name a few.
He had a love for the water and water sports. Sailing his 30 foot Morgan was his favorite thing to do; however, he also enjoyed scuba diving, water skiing, kayaking, wave running and power boating. He also loved fishing when he was younger. Charlie and his family have fond memories of enjoying all these sports with him. Charlie had love for nature and its beauty. He enjoyed walks on the beach and around the neighborhood. He had a green thumb and liked gardening and planting flowers. He also loved looking up at the sky at night observing the planets, watching for the space station or perhaps a shuttle go by.
He was a kind and gentle man who was reliable, predictable and dependable. He always appeared to eat healthy and take care of himself. Due to knee injuries, he stopped jogging and opted for walking instead. He also enjoyed yoga, bike riding, baseball and shooting hoops.
Before Charlie turned into a Tampa Bay Rays fan, the Atlanta Braves had his heart. Once he was home from flying, he would watch whatever game he could. The living room was his stadium and during the Braves chant he made sure they were doing the Tomahawk Chop. However, when he moved to Florida he became a faithful Rays fan whenever they played on TV.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Vivian Head. He is survived by his girlfriend, Darlene Janiszewski of St. Petersburg, FL; daughters, Jennifer Boothe and her husband, Michael of Decatur, GA, Kimberly Robinson and her husband, Eric of Carrollton, GA and Meredith Head of Douglasville, GA; brother, William M. Head, Jr and his wife, Nancy of Lilburn, GA; sisters, Mary Leslie and her husband Tom of Atlanta, GA, Dorothy Shea of Prospect, ME and Donna Head of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Isabella and Lilliana Boothe; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.
On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, a committal service with Military Honors will be conducted at 10:45AM at the Bay Pines National Cemetery. Following will be a Memorial Celebration of his life at Calvary Chapel, 8900 US 19 North, Pinellas Park FL. The public is invited to gather at 12:30pm and the service will commence at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to either:
Brain Support Network: http://www.brainsupportnetwork.org/donate
The MSA Coalition: https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/donate-now
My deepest sympathy at the passing of Charlie. I flew with Charlie at both Orion an Ryan on the B-727 and he was truly one of the good guys and an excellent pilot. Rest in Peace Charlie.
Always enjoyed the many hours flying with Charlie, he was a true professional. Our hearts break with yours. Our prayers continue for you all. The pain for Charlie is over, a new life begins, one day we will see him again.
There are no words to express the deepest heart felt ache for the loss of Charlie. He was a one of a kind. He did have a tender heart that he was somewhat private about, keeping the mystery of its intensity very intriguing. He captured the heart of my sweet and dear friend Darlene for 15 years and that in itself is good enough for me. They had a lot of good times together. Charlie fulfilled a void in her life that kept her very happy during those years. I am thankful for your service to our country, and the communities where you lived. I’m certain that even in your travels, somehow you had an effect on others around you. Rest In Peace Charlie and may your family and friends always hold close to their hearts the good times you were apart of in their lives.
Rob and I send our deepest condolences out to Charlie’s family and especially to Darlene.
We both flew with Charlie and loved doing so. He was a kind, respectful Captain who became a personal friend. Everyone I know at Ryan enjoyed Charlie’s company and he will be sorely missed.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Charlie will never be forgotten.
Leisa and Rob
It is good to know you were surrounded by loved ones. Great times and good flying,,,goodbye Charlie.
It was a pleasure flying with you!
Thank you for your service.
My condolences to your family and friends.
Fly in Peace.
Tammy
Our deepest condolences to the family. It was a pleasure to have known him.
May the wind always be at your nose and your skies be clear my friend. You were always a gentleman and a pleasure to fly with. May your memory be eternal.
My sincere condolences to the Head family and to Charlie’s girlfriend Darlene. Charlie was a true gentleman aviator, a great pilot, and a gentle soul. What a great combination! Darlene you especially have my sympathies, and I am sure you miss Charlie. Always a kind word, the essential quiet man.
Randy
My most sincere condolences to the family. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
I had the honor of flying with Charlie at Ryan International. He was a true gentleman and excellent airman. He always had a kid word for everyone. I know he will be missed by many. My condolences to Darlene and his entire family. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
My deepest condolences to Charlie’s family on your loss. May Charlie RIP.
We all loved Capt Charlie Head. He was so good to fly with. Godspeed him to Heaven
Charlie was such a remarkable individual. He always had a cool head on him, was an exceptional pilot, and always made everyone feel like they were amazing and his equal. That isn’t always common in aviation, but then again, he wasn’t just your average person either. I flew with him so often, and had many layovers as well. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who had anything bad to say about him. Thank you to his family for allowing him to hang out with us, and for helping make him such a memorable and caring soul. He is and will be missed by all of us at Ryan!
Charlie, I knew you as a friend and a good one you were. We always had something to talk about when we were out on our trips in Dallas. You will always be remembered in my heart. God Speed and rest in peace Charlie.
Flew with Charlie many times as a flight mechanic.He was a great pilot and and friend, he will be missed…RIP my friend
Charlie will be greatly missed. I had the honor to fly with him at Ryan. I was a Flight Mechanic and some great conversations with him on some of those long flights. He always cared about his Crew and Passengers before himself.
Prayers for his Family, thank you for sharing this great man with us.
Charlie was a great person leading us on our many journeys. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
It was a great experience working with Captain Head. He always conducted himself as a true professional and a seasoned aviator. Many condolences and prayers for his family. RIP my friend Charlie. It was indeed my pleasure.
I am so saddened by the news that we’ve lost an amazing member of our Ryan family. Charlie was always a pleasure to fly with. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
My condolences to Charlie’s family. I had the pleasure to work with Charlie at Ryan. He was a kind and gentle man. One of my favorite pilots. Rest In Peace Charlie.