Mr. Albert Charles Hazelip Jr.'s Obituary
Albert Charles Hazelip, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on September 30, 2024 attended by his loving family. Being of curious nature, Charles never stopped learning as evidenced by the span of his colorful careers as a military police officer, professor of criminology, teacher of fine art, painter and poet.
Born July 15, 1933 in Baltimore, MD, Charles was the youngest of five with four older, doting sisters. He attended Florida Southern where he led his ROTC class, served as president of his class and earned a degree in Fine Arts.
After graduation, he committed to the US Army, serving with merit as a decorated officer for 24 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. The Army sent him worldwide to Germany, Japan, Thailand, and Washington DC, where he served two tours in the Pentagon.
Upon retirement Charles moved to Tallahassee with his family and earned a doctorate in Criminology at Florida State University, beginning his lifelong love of Seminole sports.
When his working careers came to an end, Charles immersed himself in his passion for the arts. He was a founding member of the Tallahassee Civic Chorale. He poured numerous hours into teaching art and volunteering at the Tallahassee Senior Center. He became the founding member of the Florida State Poets Association chapter, “ Poetry for the Love of It.“
Charles is survived by his loving and devoted wife Faith, his children Michele Bachman (John), Chris Hazelip (Sally) and Nicole Myhre (Keith), and Faith’s children Sara Marchessault (Brian), Renée Blatt (Mike), Lesley Marchessault (Gui), and Gabe Marchessault. He is also survived by his sister June Horner (99) and first wife Christine Hazelip. He took immense joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his numerous creative friends in the Tallahassee community.
Charles was a Christian, with a quiet, deep faith which often expressed profoundly in his poetry:
When my bones grow tired of aching
And my faith seems overtaken,
Gentle Savior, pilot me.
Amen
He will be interred at the Tallahassee National Cemetery with military honors on Thursday, October 10, 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Big Bend Hospice and Tallahassee Senior Center.
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