Charles Albert "Chuck" Olson, Sr.

Charles Albert “Chuck” Olson, Sr., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 14, 2024, while his family, with tears in their eyes, said see you in heaven.

Chuck was born in Cadillac, Michigan on March 23, 1932, to Edward Theodore and Lenore (Glympse) Olson. He moved with his family to Jacksonville, FL in 1936. Chuck graduated from Fletcher High School, Jacksonville Beach, FL in 1950, where he was a member of the Track and Cross-Country teams. He moved to Gainesville in 1950 to attend the University of Florida, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Chuck honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1953 – 1955, including one year in Germany. While in the Army, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Langnecker, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania on February 5, 1954, in New Brighton, PA. They returned to Gainesville in 1955. Chuck received his AA degree from the University of Florida in 1955. He was employed for 18 years for Sperry Electric Tube Division in Gainesville. After Sperry closed in 1974, he worked for Chesnut Office Equipment Co., JR Office Supply and retired from Central Florida Office Supply in 1994.

Chuck served on the City of Gainesville Effective Municipal Services Committee, one term as chair. Upon his retirement, he and Betty developed an interest in historic lighthouses, traveling extensively in the United States and Canada visiting and photographing over 350 lighthouses. Their interest in lighthouses included collecting ceramic lighthouse replicas, which they proudly displayed for over 20 years at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Chuck was a member of the Friends of Paynes Prairie, serving as a volunteer on the La Chua Trail, contributing over 800 hours of service. He was also a member of Alachua Conservation Trust and the Alachua Audubon Society. Chuck was an honorary member of Mimosa Circle of the Gainesville Garden Club. Chuck was a Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian Church and a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served on numerous committees. He and Betty also served on the St. Augustine Presbytery on the Stewardship Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Senior Adult Ministries. He was an avid Gator’s fan of both Men’s and Women’s sports.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Betty of 57 years and his brother, Edward Olson. Surviving are three children, Gretchen Burke of Columbia, SC; Marta (Rick) Phelps of Battle Creek, MI, Charles “Chuck” Olson, Jr. of Gainesville, FL; grandchildren, Matthew (Alaina) Southern, David Southern, Brian Phelps, Brittany (Drew) Miller, Bradley (Emily) Phelps; and four great-grandchildren.

Chuck’s family will receive friends Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Milam Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church, 106 SW 3rd St, Gainesville, FL 32601; or Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667.

Arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral Home, Inc., 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. (352) 376-5361.www.milamfh.com