Chester Durwood "Chuck" Stanhope, Jr., 59, lifelong resident of Pensacola, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 25, 2023.

Chuck was born on March 23, 1964, to Mary and Chet Stanhope. He grew up playing sports in the Myrtle Grove area and attended Little Flower School and graduated from Pensacola Catholic High School where he played football and baseball. Chuck then attended Pensacola Junior College, continuing his baseball career as a Pirate. He transferred to Troy University after two years, and was granted third team All-American, was drafted in the 6th round of the 1985 MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles and was later inducted into the Troy Baseball Hall of Fame. "CD Slider" played professional baseball for 7 years and loved every second of it. As he often said, "I was big in the 80s." After his playing career, he returned to school and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of West Florida. Chuck was a collegiate pitching coach for 7 seasons at UWF, and one season at Berry College. After that time, he returned to Catholic High School to teach history and of course, to coach baseball. During his time at Catholic High, he completed his master's degree from Troy University and served as guidance counselor for 5 years. Coach Stanhope touched the lives and hearts of many students. After 10 years at Catholic

High, Chuck began a new venture as a First Year Academic Advisor at UWF. Somewhere in there, he coached his own sons and lots of other players through Bill Bond Little League. He truly had a passion for helping young people. He was equally passionate about playing pranks on his coworkers, a finely honed skill which carried on throughout his life. In 2017, he began working as a guidance counselor at Tate High School. In 2022, he began his final job as a Behavior Coach at Ransom Middle School. Clearly there was a theme to his life purpose: guiding, teaching, and coaching young people with love and humor. Family was Chuck's true love. He was a dedicated son, adored by his parents, and a terrific big brother to Lori. In 1998, he met and married his wife, Kathleen McCabe. His students from that time can fill you in on this whirlwind romance! He was a great son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle, loved by family near and far. Chuck and Kathleen are the parents of 3 wonderful children, Olivia, Chase, and Will. In 2021, he welcomed his grandson, Levi, into the world. His children were his world, and he was their rock. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed playing darts, watching any and all competitions - he loved watching people perform under pressure, and fishing. Did we mention fishing? Going fishing, teaching others to throw a cast net, talking about fishing, ... He held the hotly debated "Mullet King" title for many years. Spending time together, long conversations, fish fries, vacations, and playing pranks on everyone were just a few of the things Chuck enjoyed doing with his family. He was the most amazing father and husband. There was nothing he would not do for his family. They will forever cherish the memories they have as a

family, from baseball games and working in the yard, to watching Star Wars, Napoleon Dynamite, and basically any movies. His jokes were endless and will forever be in our hearts. There are not enough words to describe how much love Chuck had for his family and how much love they have for him.

Chuck is preceded in death by his father, Chester Durwood "Chet" Stanhope, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Stanhope; three children, Olivia, Chase, and Will; grandson, Levi; his mother, Mary Ellen Stanhope; sister, Lori Stanhope Crigler (Jeff); five nieces and nephews; loving in-laws; and too many friends to count.

Visitation will be held 10:00am until the Funeral Mass to begin at 11:00am Friday June 2, 2023, at Little Flower Catholic Church, with Fr. James Valenzuela celebrant.

Pallbearers will be Chase Stanhope, Will Stanhope, Jeff Crigler, Mike Chester, Trenton Crigler, Mike Jeffcoat, Darrell McClammy, Deron Rivello, Paul Cope, and Richard LaBounty.

All friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life from 4-6pm Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Calvert's in the Heights.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Chuck Stanhope Memorial Boat fund…just kidding…please consider, Backpack Project USA, http://www.backpackprojectusa.com/pages/help/donations.aspx

The family would like to extend special thanks to new friends, old friends, and family who have shown them such an outpouring of love.