Charles Marvin Elton Jr. (“Chuck”)

Charles Marvin Elton Jr. (“Chuck”), 71, of Cross City, Florida, passed away on March 11 after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by family.

Chuck was a proud graduate of Dixie County High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1977 as a Sergeant and Medical Service Specialist, with assignments including Okinawa, Korea, and Omaha, Nebraska. He was proud of his military service and the opportunity to care for others during his time in the Air Force.

After returning home, Chuck dedicated most of his life to serving his community through emergency services. He worked as an EMT and firefighter, both as a volunteer and professionally, and was deeply proud of his years in the fire service. Before retiring, he served as Division Chief of 911 for Dixie County Emergency Services, where he worked to strengthen the county’s emergency response systems and ensure that help could reach residents as quickly as possible.

Chuck also served as Information Technology (IT) Director for Dixie County Schools, where he managed and supported the district’s technology systems, combining his technical knowledge with his natural ability to solve problems.

Outside of his work in emergency services, Chuck had a passion for photography that began in high school, where he first learned to develop photos in the darkroom. In the years that followed, he became well known throughout the community for the thousands of photographs he took at the Suwannee River Fair. For countless families involved in 4-H and FFA, Chuck captured the moments that mattered most—children proudly standing beside the animals they had worked so hard to raise. He spent hours each day, often over the course of the entire fair, ensuring those memories were preserved for families and for the fair itself.

Chuck also enjoyed photographing Dixie County High School sports, supporting local athletes and documenting the achievements of students in his community. Whether at the fairgrounds or on the sidelines of a game, he had a gift for capturing the moments that mattered most to families and students. His generosity in sharing those photographs helped preserve countless memories for the community he loved.

Chuck also loved antiques and restoration. He enjoyed searching for unique finds, carefully cleaning and repairing them, and bringing them back to life. He was also an avid woodworker and lifelong tinkerer who enjoyed building and repairing things, including assembling computers from scratch.

Those who knew Chuck knew he was always prepared. Whether responding to an emergency call or helping someone solve a problem, he seemed to always have the right tool, piece of equipment, or bit of knowledge ready—often pulled from the back of his truck, his workshop, or wherever he happened to be working that day. He was also known for his quick wit and perfectly timed jokes, always ready with a clever remark when the moment called for it.

Above all, Chuck deeply loved his grandchildren. He moved to be closer to them and cherished the time they spent together. His home was a place where they gathered often, playing video games, spending time together, and sharing countless everyday moments. His grandchildren meant the world to him, and they loved their grandfather dearly in return.

Chuck is survived by his daughter Courtney Goodin, her husband Hal Goodin, and their children Mia, Westin, and Ellie; and his daughter Kristin Piper, her husband Brendon Piper, and their child Kylie. He is also survived by Gail Rogers, who remained a beloved part of the Elton family, and by his longtime friends Tank and Debbie Lee, who shared many years of friendship with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Elton and Mary Alice McIntyre, and by his brothers Lee Elton and Rick Elton.

Chuck will be remembered for his dedication to service, his readiness to help with whatever was needed—whether responding to an emergency or reaching into the back of his truck for just the right tool—and for the countless moments he captured through his photography. Through his work in emergency services, his support of local youth and athletics, and the memories he preserved through his camera, Chuck became part of the story of his community.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date to honor Chuck’s wish to have his ashes scattered at the Suwannee River, a place he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chuck Elton Service Scholarship Fund in Chuck’s honor.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/chuck-elton-scholarship