Retired U.S. Army Major, Charles W. Locklin, Jr., 73, born in Monroeville, Alabama on October 25, 1939, passed away on December 19, 2012 at home peacefully after a quick battle with colon cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Doris Tait Locklin, three children, Charles W. Locklin, III (Chuck), Dinah L. Collert (Jay) and Sarah E. Hodgins, and two beloved grandchildren, Darby DeJarnette and Shaylee Hodgins. He also leaves behind siblings, Betty Hrisak (Bob), Lucy Maiben Montgomery, Mary Moore Jacobs (Danny), Barbara Anne Bowling (Bob), L.W. Locklin (Gloria), Richard Locklin, and many newphews, neices and close friends.
Upon completion of high school in Monroeville, Alabama, Charles attended one notorious quarter at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1958. He served twenty-one distinquished years in the Army (eight years enlisted and thirteen years as a commissioned officer). Charles is a highly decorated combat veteran earning a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with V device for Valor, and two Purple Hearts. He served as the 1st Platoon Leader, I Troop, 3/11 Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam from 1967-1968. During his military service in the Army, Charles, Doris, and children moved to various duty stations located in North Carolina, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky and two tours in Germany. After his retirement from the U.S. Army in 1980, Charles worked as a Civil Service Employee as a computer programer in Columbus, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama retiring for the second time in 2004.
In 1970, after his Vietnam tour of duty, time was awarded to allow Charles to complete a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education at the University of Tampa, Florida. Charles also obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Information Management from Troy State University, Montgomery, Alabama in 1990.
After his civil service retirement, Charles became very active in the Lakeview Baptist Church serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He remained active in the Vietnam Veterans Association, and enjoyed attending the yearly 11th Armored Cavalry Reunions. He also enjoyed traveling with Doris to visit old friends and see new places, ballroom dancing, and “Roll Tide” football.
A Memorial Service will be held at Alabama Heritage, Montgomery, Alabama on December 27, 2012. Visitation will be from 1pm-2pm, with the Memorial Service beginning at 2pm.
A Graveside Service will be at Reaves Chapel Cemetery, Wilcox County, Alabama on December 28, 2012 at 1pm.
The family is requesting no flowers. Condolences may be offered at www.alabamaheritagefh.com Alabama Heritage Directing.
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