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Charles Herman Sansom, Sr.

Charles Herman Sansom, Sr., 72, died Wednesday, May 9, at his home in Pensacola, surrounded by his family. Charlie was born on September 16, 1939, in Port. St. Joe, Florida, where he lived until 1954, when his family moved to Century, where Charlie met his future wife and graduated from high school. After Pensacola Junior College, Charlie married, then began a career at (Chemstrand) Monsanto. In the Century community, he will be remembered for his long hours of labor and dedication to the Century Volunteer Fire Department, in which he was a charter member and longtime chief. He used the same dedication at the Monsanto Fire Department, where he also served as chief and for whom he taught yearly classes in Industrial Firefighting at Texas A & M. Charlie was a Plant Shift Supervisor at the time of his retirement.

After moving to Pensacola, Charlie became a member of the St. Luke United Methodist Church, Escambia County Search and Rescue, and Stephen R. Mallory Camp 1315 of the Sons of the Confederacy. After his retirement, Charlie enjoyed traveling with his wife and photographing wildlife, working in his garden, tinkering with his model railroad layouts, listening to his scanner, lending a helping hand, and watching his beloved Florida Gators. He was a consummate (but never cruel) practical joker who loved to find laughter in any situation.

Charlie was one of those rare individuals who saw the good in everyone and the pleasure in every moment. He never made an enemy and never closed a conversation with harsh words. Charlie was a kind, generous family man whose passing will leave a hole in the heart of everyone who ever had the privilege of meeting him.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Alma Sansom. He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years Ruth Elizabeth, son Charles “Chuck” (Sharon) Sansom, Jr., daughters Beth (Ronny) Norwood and Stephanie (Raymond Higgins) Sansom, sister Lou Owens, brothers John (Martha) Sansom and Michael Sansom , mother-in-law Mary Stanton, brother-in-law Sam (Clara) Stanton, seven granddaughters, four grandsons, three great-grandsons, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who seem as close as family.

Friends and family are welcome during visitation from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1394 Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. A service for Charlie will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ted Bowne, Rev. Mike Roberts, and Rev. Carolyn Nelson officiating. There will be no graveside services, but honorary pallbearers include Steve Hacker, Jim Hernandez, Frank Jackson, Hal Kuhn, John Nowlin, Sid Perry, Jerry Simmons, Paul Villane, and Ronny Wadkins.

Trahan Family Funeral Home of Pensacola is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Luke United Methodist Church Bus Fund, 1394 E. Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola 32514: Escambia County Search and Rescue, 9530 Nims Llane, Pensacola 32534: Waterfront Mission , P O Box 870, Pensacola 32591; or Trumpet of Hope Ministries P O Box 179125, San Diego, CA 92177.