Charles Allen Prine was born to Madris Jean O’Neal, and Patrick Prine in Ft. Worth Texas on October 28, 1960. Fondly known to his friends as Chuck, he was also referred to as “Bubba” among some in his family. He graduated from Pascal High school in June of 1979 and enlisted in the United States Navy in September of that year. During the course of a 26-year Navy career MMCS(SS) Prine traveled to many countries and lived in Virginia, Scotland, San Diego, and Hawaii. He served on USS LUCE (DDG-38), USS ANDREW JACKSON (SSBN 619G), USS HONOLULU (SSN 718), USS BALTIMORE (SSN 704), COMMANDER SUBMARINE GROUP FIVE Performance Monitoring Team, SUBMARINE DEVELOPMENT GROUP ONE, USS PIGEON (ASR 21), DSRV-1 MYSTIC, USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731), USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN 642), USS FLORIDA (SSBN 728) before finally retiring in 2005 following a second tour aboard USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731).
Chuck Prine started his Navy career as a Surface Sailor, but during his first tour, as a “Hole Snipe” aboard USS LUCE (DDG-38) where during operations with a fast attack submarine he, “Realized the error of his ways” (his words) and volunteered for submarines. He volunteered for submarines and subsequently attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) and the submarine Auxiliary Package course which is where his Navy career as a submarine A-ganger, and the real adventure started. He met and married his second wife Mrs. Michele (Mitchi) Zyph while stationed in San Diego at COMSUBGRU 5 in San Diego, CA. where he was also selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer in June 1990. Chuck and Mitchi divorced in 2007, but remained friends until his passing. Chuck was selected for Senior Chief in 1994 while serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) aboard Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle One, (DSRV-1) MYSTIC homeported at North Island Naval Air Station, Coronado, CA.
Following his departure from the Navy in 2005 the former MMCS(SS) Chuck Prine worked at the Horse and Cow in Bremerton, WA and Guam until early 2010 at which time he took some time to enjoy a form of early retirement. With some prompting from former Shipmates he decided to return to the workforce in 2014 and in March he joined the group of Ship Safety Officers in Code 304 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton, WA where he worked until his untimely death from a heart attack on the evening of June 18, 2020.
Chuck is preceded in death by his father, Pat Prine; niece, Lisa; mother, Madris O’Neal; step-father, Bill Machen; and Sister, Barbara Roberts.
He is survived by his sister, Louise Griggs; brother, John Mac Sisk and wife Martha; nieces,
Carlene, Dana, Penny, Pam, Cindy, Sheila and Sharla and nephews Tony and John III, along with
many great and great great nieces and nephews.
Chuck Prine did not have any children of his own, but Senior Chief Prine was a well-respected mentor and served as a father figure for many young Sailors during his 26 year career. His Shipmates became and remained life-long friends and he leaves behind a legacy of those who he came into contact with. One former Shipmate commented that “Chuck was the father of the “extended family” of misfits which he pulled together to created one of the tightest families ever!” Another Sailor whom he mentored credits Chuck with his being advanced to Chief and said that “He was one of the kindest, most generous individuals he has ever known. He was good at finding our strengths and focusing on them instead of crucifying us for our short comings. He was the best COB I ever had.”
During all of the years following his graduation from high school and enlistment in the Navy Chuck made frequent visits back to Texas to visit his family, and friends and Shipmates recall that he always spoke fondly of Texas and his family. During visits back home to Texas he is remembered for taking his numerous nieces and nephews birthday shopping and for taking the entire family out for dinner at Mexican restaurant; one of his favorite meals and a taste they all shared. He often spoke to friends of returning to Texas one day and had recently accepted a new position in Kings Bay, GA which would take him closer to his family. The stories his family tell echo those of his friends; anecdotes of a kind and generous man, who would always be there for a friend or family member in need. Chuck’s passing leaves those who knew him feeling a gap in our lives, but we are comforted from knowing that we are all better in so many ways for the role, no matter how big or small, he played in them.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, 28 June 2020 at 3:00 pm at the Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 5505 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA.
In lieu of gifts or flowers the family asks that any donations be made in his name to the American Heart Association, or charity of your choosing.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18