Charles Geary

Charles (Chuck) Geary Jr, 86, of New Augusta went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 14, 2021.  He was born on June 24, 1934 in Braintree, MA to the late Charles Geary Sr. and Mabel Geary (Wentworth).

Mr. Geary was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Petal, MS where he served as Chairman of the Deacons as well as Treasurer.  He loved his church, serving the Lord, and all the people in his church.

Chuck served in the Air Force from 1951-1961 and the Air National Guard from 1961-1994, when he retired as Chief Master Sargeant.  During his service in the MS Air National Guard he served as the second Senior Enlisted Advisor, now known as the State Command Chief, from July 1, 1984 through June 30, 1988.  He was employed at Kessler AFB in civil service until he retired. He also was a Master Mason, a Shriner and a member of the York Rite of Freemasonary.

Chuck was a true blessing to his family.  He was married to the late Mildred E. Geary (Chaffin) for 56 years and together they had one son, Ronnie Geary.  He had two granddaughters, Dawn Swanger (Brandon) and Courtney Geary, as well as four great grandchildren.  He later married Hazel Mae Cooley Butler Geary and was blessed with four additional children and five grandchildren.  Donna Norris (James), Dennis Butler (Stacey), Renee Cook (Paul) and Carla Butler.  Grandchildren Jeremy Norris (Lauren), Derek Norris (Ashley), Thomas McCardle, Ali Bounds (Wilson), and Dylan Butler (Nichole).  He also had seven step great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mildred E. Geary, his brothers, Irving Geary and Wendell Geary, and his step daughter, Carla Ann Butler. He is survived by his wife; Hazel Geary; son, Ronald Geary; brother, George Geary; and sister, Lucille Endres.

To all who knew Chuck, loved him.  He didn’t meet a stranger and loved getting to know everyone.  He always had just the right words to make everyone feel good about themselves.  He was a craftsman and loved building all sorts of things in his spare time.  He will be greatly missed by so many.  Until we see you again.

Friends may visit with the Geary family from 10 a.m. until funeral services begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1123 Hwy 42, Petal, MS.  Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, MS.