Charles Samuel "Chuck" Mahan Jr.'s Obituary
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/
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