In loving memory of Dr. Charles "Chuck" William Hall

Obituary

Dr. Charles (Chuck) William Hall, age 79, of Flagler Beach, Fl., died peacefully on February 20, 2025 after an extended illness. Chuck, the son of Charles M. and Opal O. (Ault) Hall, was born on January 11, 1946, in Sterling, KS. Chuck graduated from Sterling High School, Sterling College (BS Degree), Ohio University (MA Degree), and Arizona State University (Ed.D). Chuck was married to Shirley Dornberg and together they had three children: Emily, Jeffrey, and Christopher. Later, he married Dr. Roberta (Robin) Walsh and she brought her son, Daniel, into the marriage.

Growing up, Chuck became an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, played high school football, and worked at Dillons Grocery store. After graduating from college, he devoted his entire career to education. During his nearly 50-year career, he worked at Sterling Public Schools, Ohio University, Central Arizona College, Mohave Community College (MCC), and Lake City Community College, which later became Florida Gateway College (FGC). He loved working with students and always enjoyed being in the classroom, coaching forensic activities and student government at the local, state, and national levels. He had more than 45 years of teaching and administrative experience and served 31 of those years as the College President at MCC and FGC. He and his wife, Robin, were passionate about creating educational opportunities for everyone, endowing seven separate college scholarships.

An entire page could be dedicated to the awards that Chuck received throughout his career, but three really encapsulated his impact as an educator. One of his crowning achievements at FGC was receiving the President’s Award for Professional Excellence by the Florida Association of Community Colleges. In addition to receiving recognition from his peers, Chuck was also highly regarded by the student body. In 2015, he was nominated by FGC students to receive the Florida College System Student Government Association’s Bob Graham Distinguished Service Award, eventually prevailing over the other nominees, and was also inducted into the Florida College System “Hall of Fame.” Chuck’s mantra – “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” – inspired the entire FGC community to achieve its full potential. The FGC students voted to name the Student Activities Center after him and, to this day, affectionately refer to it as “The Hall.”

When Chuck retired in June 2015, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to grant him the title President Emeritus for serving with distinction, dedication and commitment to the students, faculty, staff, and community over his 18 years at Florida Gateway College. A few years later, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Colleges Student Activities Association.

Chuck regularly gave back to the community and served in leadership positions with the Performing Arts, local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Club, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, March of Dimes and served on local boards such as the Economic Development Board and Lake City Medical Center Hospital Board of Trustees.

He loved his family, spending time with them, and traveling near and far. He was very proud of his children and always considered them his greatest legacy. After retirement, Chuck pursued travel with the same enthusiasm he devoted to his career. He and his wife, Robin, accomplished their goal of traveling to all seven continents by land and sea. He also enjoyed philanthropy, genealogical research, theater, movies, and reading. Those who knew him loved his compassion, great sense of humor, and ability to put others at ease. He was a remarkable and visionary man who made a positive difference in the world.

Chuck is survived by his wife of almost 27 years, Robin, her mother, Helen Anderst of Palm Coast, FL; four children: Emily (Jeff) Baker of Kingman, AZ, Jeffrey (Jackie) Hall of Santa Barbara, CA, Christopher Hall of Denver, CO, and Daniel Walsh (Keysha Velez) of Miami, FL; grandchildren: Shane (Cindy) Hall, Abigail Hall and Alexander Hall; great-grandchildren: Hayden Hall and Carson Hall; sister Trudy Lawson of Hutchinson, KS; sister-in-law Vicki Hall of Belleview, IL; brother-in-law Charles (Donna) Anderst of Naples, Fl; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Opal and Charles, brother Robert Hall, father-in-law Robert Anderst, and brother-in-law Michael Anderst.

A memorial service will be held by the family at Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church at 101 Pine Lakes Pkwy., Palm Coast, FL 32164, on March 22, 2025 at 11:00 am. At a later date, Chuck will be interred next to his family at the Sterling Cemetery in Sterling, KS.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park (FROGRS) at 3100 S. Ocean Shore Blvd. Flagler Beach, FL 32136.