Ann Dyer Bottoms

September 20, 1945 – September 9, 2026 Tampa, Florida

Ann “Annie” Dyer Bottoms, age 80, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

She is survived by her devoted husband Charles R. Bottoms; her beloved daughter Christine Ann Bottoms; her sister Catherine Dyer Klein; nephews Charles R. Klein III (Kristine Strub Klein), Jonathan T. Klein (Karen T. Klein), and Jeffrey S. Klein (Gena Klein); great nieces Martha Dyer Klein and Emma Sullivan Klein (Max Lonas); great nephews Tucker Livingston Klein and Ethan David Klein; great great nephews Van and Cillian; great great nieces Forest and Margaret; and many cousins.

She is also remembered with love by dear friends including Bentley, Rheta Lanehart, Shannon O’Kennedy, Lynn and Susan, and many others; her cherished Plant High Lunch Girls; the Neighborhood Birthday Club; the 8 Is Enough Book Club; and her Same Day Surgery CRNA group.

Annie was predeceased by her son John Hamilton Bottoms; her mother Marion Spencer Dyer; and her father George Turner Dyer.

A Life of Service, Adventure, and Heart

Annie graduated from H.B. Plant High School and later attended the University of Florida, where she joined a sorority, earned her BSN, and began her service to her country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. While stationed in San Antonio, she worked as a nurse at the Burn Center at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). Realizing the emotional toll of burn care, she returned to school and became a CRNA—a career she cherished until retirement.

Annie married the love of her life, Charlie. They adopted their beautiful daughter, Chrissy, and soon after were stationed in Germany, where their son John was born. Together, they embraced every adventure: skiing the Alps with their babies, exploring Europe, and forming lifelong friendships. During President Reagan’s visit to Europe, Annie was entrusted with the honor of serving as his personal nurse. She earned her MS from Boston University while living abroad.

In 1991, Annie deployed to Desert Storm as the leader of a MASH unit, bravely serving while separated from her family. She returned home with Polymyositis, a little known disease, yet she continued to live life with remarkable joy and resilience. She traveled the world, sailed with friends to remote islands in the Gulf of Mexico, and embraced every moment with gratitude.

Upon retiring from the Army, Annie returned to her hometown of Tampa and her beloved family. She and Charlie bought a large boat and joined the Yacht Club, where Annie became the first female Commodore. They spent many happy years boating with friends and creating treasured memories on the water.

A Beautiful Spirit

Annie was beautiful inside and out—kind, generous, whip smart, and full of life. She loved nature, playing cards, reading, her family, long walks with Bentley and Charlie, Phantom of the Opera, and Jimmy Buffett. Her presence made every room brighter, every gathering warmer, and every adventure more fun.

She will always be the wind beneath my wings.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM with a short visitation from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Oldsmar/West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, FL 33635