Charles Samuel "Chuck" Mahan Jr.

Charles Samuel "Chuck" Mahan Jr. obituary, Bunnell, FL

Charles Samuel "Chuck" Mahan Jr.

Charles Mahan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service on Jun. 29, 2023.

Publish in a newspaper

U.S. Army Lieutenant General (Retired) Charles Samuel Mahan Jr. better known to his friends and loved ones as "Chuck", went to be with his Savior on May 27th, 2023 at age 76 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Son of Orma Ada Padgett and Charles "Jimmy" Mahan, Chuck was born on July 27, 1946 in Wildwood, Florida. He grew up in Sparta, Georgia, where he graduated from Sparta High School in 1964. He excelled in football, earning a selection as a member of the Georgia AIl-State team, sang in a quartet, and was selected to attend Boys State.
Numerous universities recruited Chuck to play football following high school. Chuck desired to attend Georgia Tech, but at his mother's request he promised to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point if selected. He was selected and became a proud member of Company F2 "The Zoo". The class of '68 motto, "No Task Too Great", became his guiding principle for the rest of his life. Chuck commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1968 and received orders to Vietnam shortly after. He later attended the University of Miami, graduating with his MBA in 1973 prior to becoming an ROTC instructor from 1973-1976. He cherished the opportunity to prepare the next generation of Army leaders mentally and physically. In his free time, he enjoyed playing rugby and golf.
During his distinguished military career, Chuck earned a reputation for his love for Soldiers and families. LTG(R) Mahan served four tours in Germany, one in Panama, and one in Colombia. His operational service included service in Vietnam, the Cold War, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and the Global War on terrorism. LTG(R) Mahan's many command and staff positions included Commanding General, 21st Theater Command; Commander, 13th Corps Support Command; Commander, VII Corps Support Group; G-4, VII Corps Europe. LTG(R) Mahan culminated his career as the U.S. Army G-4, at the Pentagon. Chuck was in the building during the 9/11 terrorist attack that impacted his wing of the Pentagon.
LTG(R) Mahan retired in 2003 after 35 years of decorated service. Throughout his career he received the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (five awards), Bronze Star Medal (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and many other awards and service decorations.
Post retirement, Chuck took on multiple positions in the civilian sector, specializing in consulting and serving on the boards of several prominent companies. One position he was very proud of included serving on the board of the Fisher House Foundation which supports wounded veterans and their families.
Chuck, a loving husband and dedicated father, is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Jamie; their two children: daughter, Kristin (and Matt), son, Kevin; brother, Jim; and three grandchildren: Lyla, Michael, and Daniela.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Two celebrations of life are planned for 7 July 2023, at 2pm, at Devereux Baptist Church in Sparta Georgia and 13 July 2023, at 10am, at Palm Coast United Methodist Church, in Palm Coast, FL. Burial will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Fisher House Foundation. https://fisherhouse.org/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Charles Mahan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 17, 2025

William Derer posted to the memorial.

May 14, 2025

J. Coster posted to the memorial.

March 10, 2025

Rashad Jihad posted to the memorial.

William Derer

July 17, 2025

In 1998 I was tasked as the G5 to support the NSE in Taaszar Hungry. The general referred to me as 'Billy" when he wanted me. My team of 2 replaced 18 CA operators. I found him to be a fantastic leader and supported the troops in his comand. The day I reported that I had met with an injured Croatian LTC and the family remarked "why would a big country like yours come see a person like me", the general hugged me and said, "Keep up what your doing. You are making a great impact and you defused a potential volatile situation." I can't stop admiring him for the man he was as well as my comander. He will be missed. LTC(P) William Derer

J. Coster

May 14, 2025

I had the pleasure to serve as LTG Mahans "G6" at the USNSE in Hungary in 1997. I Regarded him as an EXCELLENT leader & motivator. I always remember his statement while preparing for an inspection: "we gotta get this right or they are going to help us to DEATH."

Sorry to learn that he passed but glad to hear he made a good run of it.

Rashad Jihad

March 10, 2025

General Mahan was my battalion commander at Ft Hood Texas, I ran his "Yard 37" mission which was responsible for uploading all wheeled, track vehicles and major assemblies that was retrograded Bach to the respective depots for repair and modification. What I did was his bread and butter mission. I remember while serving in the 21St TAACOM while he was the commander he came to visit our unit and at that Time I was having many problems with my command, when he came to my unit he immediately recognized me and came to me and shook my hand and told my command and fellow soldiers that I made his career as the 553rd S &S Battalion battalion commander gain great heights and he also told everyone that I have his support if I was having trouble with anyone, he gave me his number to call him, from the day forward my command treated me with white gloves behavior. General was in my opinion a great human being that cared about people and I will never forget him.

Rashad Jihad
SFC (r)

Jess Alan Cartwright

November 25, 2024

General Mahan was a Lieutenant Colonel when I first met him when he was the commander of the 553 S&S battalion at Fort Hood, Texas in 1985. I was his operation officer. He was an excellent officer and leader. The world has lost a great man. Farewell, sir Respectfully J. Alan Cartwright

Sheila Wetherbee

July 22, 2024

When my husband was killed in Iraq, I came to know General Mahan. He was a wonderful man and highly respected. I enjoyed our conversations and appreciated all he did for me during that time.

I am sorry to hear of his loss.

Michael Cervone

July 22, 2023

To the Leader that set my path ... Thanks are not enough.

Leon & Judy LaPorte

July 7, 2023

Dear Jamie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chuck was a good friend and great soldier. He will be missed.

John Caldwell

July 4, 2023

Farewell to a great soldier and friend. Well done! May God Bless His Soul. Rest In Peace, Chuck.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service

4601 E. Moody Blvd, G7, Bunnell, FL 32110

Make a Donation
in Charles Mahan's name

How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Mahan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored anonymously

Sign Charles Mahan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 17, 2025

William Derer posted to the memorial.

May 14, 2025

J. Coster posted to the memorial.

March 10, 2025

Rashad Jihad posted to the memorial.