Charlie Henry Laney, Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. Charlie Henry Laney, Jr. of Howey-in-the-Hills, FL passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at the age of 87 years. He was born in Macon, Georgia to Charlie Henry and Agnes Lee (Griffin) Laney. Charlie served his country during WWII in the US Army Air Corps. He was Head of Safety for Quarter Midget racing in Huntsville, Alabama while his daughter and son raced. He loved to build and fly motorized model planes. His interests in flying and aerospace directed his career path and his interests in life. Charlie was a retired Engineer for the US Government. During his career he worked at Cape Canaveral and for Martin Marietta. He and his wife, Cleo moved to central Florida permanently in 1986 from Huntsville after several moves for his government career. Charlie flew experimental aircraft and was the Safety Director for the Experimental Aircraft Association in Huntsville. He spoke before congress on behalf of the building of the space program. He worked on various rockets at the Cape. He was a member of the Toastmasters International and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as well as the Studebaker Auto Club. He is remembered and will be dearly missed by his wife of 61 years, Cleo; daughter, Karen L. Laney of Howey-in-the-Hills; daughter and son-in-law, Carrie Melissa and Enoch Winder of Clermont, FL; son Charlie Wendell Laney of Panama City, FL; step-son, Carl Frederick Schaefer of Orlando; 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Friends were invited to gather for viewing on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 10 – 11 am with a funeral service starting at 11am, all in the funeral home chapel. Burial followed at Taylor Memorial Cemetery in Howey-in-the-Hills. Arrangements were entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, Tavares, FL, 352-343-4444. Condolences may be left for the family by signing the guestbook below.
What’s your fondest memory of Charlie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charlie?
Share a story where Charlie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charlie you’ll never forget.
How did Charlie make you smile?