Charles LeDoux McDermott

Major Charles LeDoux “Charlie” McDermott, US Army (Ret.), age 75, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2012. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Pamela McClure McDermott, two daughters, Monica Leigh McDermott of Savannah, GA, Alison Rachel Simonton (Richard “Rick”) of Montgomery, one son, Charles “David” McDermott (Meghan) of Ft. Leavenworth, KS, and his brother, Judge Edward Bermudez “Teddy” McDermott (Sandy) of Dauphin Island, AL. His grandchildren are Caitlin Simonton, Sean Simonton, Patrick McDermott, Abigale McDermott and Tucker McDermott. He is also survived by ten nieces and nephews. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Judge William Vincent McDermott and Jeanne LeDoux McDermott, and his brother Judge William Henry McDermott. Maj. McDermott devoted 35 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Army and the U.S. Civil Service. As an officer in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, Maj. McDermott served as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) officer at several military installations at home and abroad. He also travelled extensively with the Civil Service extending training in the use of Chemical Defense equipment which helped he helped develop. Maj. McDermott was awarded the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal, two Overseas Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, the Civil Actions Honor Medal, EOD Specialist and EOD Supervisor Badges, and the M16 Rifle Marksman Badge. In addition, he also received several awards during his 17 years in Civil Service. Charlie was a graduate of McGill Institute, Class of 1954; Spring Hill College, B.S. Degree in Chemistry, Class of 1958, and Jacksonville State University, M.B.A. Charlie McDermott is remembered by family as a supportive and devoted husband, father, brother and son. He was known for his great sense of humor and talent for spinning a tale. His niece, Maureen, summed it up well, “I distinctly remember being fascinated by his intelligence, life experiences and noble perspective.” The family will receive friends at the Radney Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Edmund By The Sea on Dauphin Island, Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Rd. Ste. 350, Jacksonville, FL 32256.