Charles Henry Horner, Jr.

Charles “Chuck” Horner Jr., 68, of Ponte Vedra, FL, formerly of Coronado, CA, and originally from Clinton, Iowa, died January 18, 2024, at the McGraw Center for Caring of Community Hospice in Jacksonville, FL. Chuck was born November 22, 1955, in Clinton, IA, the eldest son of Charles “Chuck” Sr. and Joan Horner. Chuck Jr. graduated from Clinton High School in 1974 and joined the Navy in 1975. Chuck graduated from BUD/s class 96 in March 1978 in Coronado, California, and during his career served at SEAL Team One, Underwater Demolition Team Twelve, Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDV’s) the Naval Special Warfare Center “Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training” (BUDS) SEAL Team Five, and Naval Special Warfare Group One. Charles Henry Horner Jr. was a highly regarded United States Navy SEAL & Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician NEC 5327 (a rarity) making the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer while dedicating 32 years of his life to protecting our nation at the highest level.

Post military, Chuck served 3 ½ years of civilian service as a Safety & Occupational Health/ Explosive Safety Manager. He moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL in 2015 to be with his beloved Sheila and graduated Cum Laude from Florida State College (FSCJ) with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree (BASc) in Public Safety Management in 2018. In 2019 he became employed by the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville as a radiology safety officer and retired in 2020. He loved to travel with Sheila, even after his diagnosis of stage four stomach cancer in June 2022. Chuck had a heart for the Lord and serving others. He attended three weekly men's Bible Study groups where he developed many close relationships.  Chuck proudly attended Bible Study Fellowship International for 20 years (2003 - 2023) in various US cities and states. He was a loving partner, friend, husband, son, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his partner Sheila Connor of Ponte Vedra Beach; his three children Dr. Kacey (Bill) Appel, Dr. Angela (Norman) Ellard, and Charles Horner III, all of Cincinnati and from Coronado; his grandchildren, Liam Appel, Kate Appel and Veronica Ellard and Violet Ellard (expected 4/24); siblings Jonelle Kettler, Tim (Billie Jo) Horner, Suzanne (Joe) Davidoski, and Steve Horner; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Chuck” Sr. and Joan Horner, his first wife and mother of his children Katherine “Kitty” (Hanline) Horner, his brother-in-law Rich Kettler, and his closest uncle, James “Jim” Holle.

Chuck’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:00 am in Christ Church located at 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts on behalf of Chuck Horner Jr. may be made either The Foundation of Community Hospice and Palliative Care or Bible Study Fellowship.