Charles "Charlie" Henry Martin, Colonel, USAF, Retired

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings"

Charles Harry Martin, Colonel, US Air Force, Retired, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2020, at his home where he has resided for 42 years.  He was born in New York City, New York to Clarence and Florilda Martin of Cranston, Rhode Island. Charlie graduated from Cranston High School and Bryant College before enlisting in the Air Force. He received his wings at the ripe old age of 19 and went on to a most rewarding career of 28 years in the USAF flying his favorite, the F80 series through the F4E and many in between. He graduated from Command and Staff College while receiving his MBA from George Washington University. In December of 1966 he was assigned to Danang AB, South Vietnam where he flew 144 missions (100 north). Returned and was assigned to Edwards AFB as one of 3 TAC pilots on the F-4E initial OT & E program. November of 1970 he was handpicked for a special position in Israel. An experience he and his entire family enjoyed. May of 1977 he and the family happily moved back to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He retired after his last assignment of being appointed as DCS/Armament & Avionics. After retiring from the USAF Charlie opened his own real estate brokerage, The Charles Martin Agency and then retire-retired in 1987.  Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joe and his 1st wife, Kate, the mother of his children. He is survived by his Daughter, Leslie Tucker and Son, Chad "Charles, Jr." and his wife Melody;  Stepchildren, Lisa Panos and Leland Lindsey and his Wife, Crystal; five fine grandchildren of whom he was very proud, Kyle Tucker, Quinton Lindsey, Theodore and Clifford Panos and Derick Townsend.  Charlie was a member of the Eglin Yacht Club for over 40 years and served as Commodore. He was a proud member of the "George "Bud" Day" order of Daedalians flight 61 and a member of the F86 Sabre Pilot Association. He was a skilled hunter, fisherman and boater. Loved reading his conservative magazines, watching his birds and doing crosswords. He and his wife of 33 years, Linda Gail, loved traveling, entertaining friends and family and enjoying Happy Hour on their deck as Charlie partook of his gin martini and cigar, being the "Officer and Gentleman" that he was!  We thank Lisa Marshall for her loving care, Emerald Coast Hospice and Home Instead.  There will be a graveside service on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 2:30 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida; with Full Military Honors. Those wanting to attend, please call 850-244-5163 or 850-651-4452 for more information. In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Emerald Coast Hospice or the charity of your choice. 

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