Charles Michael DeShong

Charles Michael (Mike) DeShong, 76, passed away on January 16th, 2016 at his home in Hollywood, Florida. Mike was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and undergoing dialysis when he bravely chose to come home with hospice care, and was surrounded by family and friends until his passing. Born in Plant City, Florida on August 1, 1939, Mike was predeceased by his parents, Charles Marchall DeShong, Mary Lane McLendon, and Rev. J.C. McLendon, his sister, Gail Kirkland, and his beloved wife, Gwen Hancock DeShong. He is survived by his sisters Judy Oakley, Janet Wiley, Jackie Hails, and brother Joe (Tracy) McLendon. He is survived by three sons: Richard, Gray, TN, Ronald (Mary Jane), Davie, FL, and Randy (Lisa), Lake Butler, FL and seven grandchildren: Tarah DeShong, Jennifer (John) Gallina, Gannon (Lalia) DeShong, Layne DeShong, Curtis DeShong, Brad DeShong, and Kate DeShong. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who dearly loved him.

A retired choral director, Mike began his teaching career at Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs, FL in 1963 and moved to south Florida in 1967, teaching one semester at Stranahan High School with Director Peggy Barber. When the new school, Hollywood Hills High, opened in the Fall of 1968, Mike started and built arguably the finest choral program in the state. He had a lasting impact on his students, many of whom became professional musicians. He was District Chairman and President of the Florida Vocal Association and is to be inducted into the FVA Hall of Fame in 2016. HHH Contemporary Singers were honored to be selected to perform at the Southern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in 1980.

Mike's obsession was golf and he played several times a week until his recent illness. He was a long time member of the Orangebrook Golf and Country Club, and a founding member of the Big Jac Golf Tournament. He will be remembered as a gifted musician/teacher, loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a loyal friend to many. He was painfully honest, never minced words, and always said exactly what he thought! There will be no public service and his cremated remains will be interred in the crypt of his beloved wife in Hollywood Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org) or the American Cancer Society (m.donate.cancer.org). Special thanks to Vitas Hospice Care for the tender, loving way they cared for us and our Dad and brother. Arrangements entrusted to Fred Hunter's Funeral Homes.