Charles “Chuck” Dennis Nace passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the age of 70, surrounded by his loved ones and beloved dogs at his home. He was a longtime resident of Jacksonville, born in 1953 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. During his high school years, he attended the Westmoreland Technical school studying drafting and lettered 2 years on the wrestling team. Chuck was not only a proud Navy veteran who retired as a Master Chief after 23 years of dedicated service but also continued his contributions in civil service for many years. Anyone who knew Chuck knew how much he loved this country. In his distinguished Navy career, Chuck served as a plane captain, excelled as a night supervisor aboard the USS Independence during two Mediterranean deployments, received the prestigious Harald Anderson Memorial Award for Outstanding Leadership, earned accolades including a letter of commendation for his exceptional work as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor, and proudly wore the enlisted aviation warfare specialist wings in recognition of his expertise and dedication. Chuck was a man of many passions. He was an avid sports enthusiast, cheering passionately for the Steelers and Georgia Bulldogs. Indulging in his love for NASCAR, he also carried on his father’s love for racing, as he was a Flagman at Jax Raceways. His love for sports carried on and he coached T-ball, baseball, and football at the West Duval Youth Association. Chuck played baseball as an adult and softball with his family. He loved drinking a cold beer on a Thursday watching his Jacksonville Minor League baseball when they were the Expos, the Suns and now the Jumbo Shimp. Beyond sports, Chuck was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in fishing and spending time camping with his wife Erika. He enjoyed playing golf and shooting in pool tournaments at Fat Boys Roadside Bar. His lively spirit extended to the dance floor where he grooved to Jimmy Buffet and enjoyed singing karaoke. Chuck is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 22 years, Erika Nace; Children, Carrie (Andy) Shoop, AJ Nace, Brittany (James) Woodworth, and Autumn (Bryan) Nace; His siblings John (Donna) Nace and Linda (Lenny) Rigby; His former wife Judy Nace; and 9 grandchildren, Aniya (Jonathan) Shoop, Jahmai Shoop, Drew Shoop, Jeremiah Shoop, Sierra Woodworth, Skiilar Woodworth, Audrey Nace, Ben Nace and Lucy Goose Woodworth, and his first great grandchild on the way; Many nieces, nephews and cousins; And his 4 beloved dogs, Chief, Buttercup, Bailey and his favorite Dakota. Chuck is preceded in death by his Grandparents Martha (George) Nace; Parents George (Jean) Nace; and Siblings Jim (Linda) Nace, George (Sally) Nace.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Community Hospice & Palliative Care for all of their support and kindness. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd Jacksonville FL 32257 or communityhospice.com
Funeral services will be held Thursday April 4th, at 11:00am at Fraser Funeral Home on Normandy, 8168 Normandy Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32221. Followed by presession to Jacksonville National Cemetery for interment with full military honors at 1:00pm. 4083 Lannie Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218. There will be a viewing 1 hour prior to the service.