Info Sheet Obituary - Charles "Marty" Sullivan
Died 3 June 2025 - see Obituary
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I served with D & F Troops in Vietnam Centaur 52 from July 29 1970 to July 27 1971 but was OPCON until mid August 1971. Not enough replacement. You know, I was still there for 2 weeks but not assigned there. Went back to Ft Hood for 2 years until 1973. I had the privilege of flying & training there with CPT Rudy Parris. A Centaur 69/70. I stumbled across this site from VHPA and I love it! I AM CENTAUR 52 IN SANDY McLEOD’ S audio of Dustoff mission on March 8 1971!
Gary Schmidt was my Crew Chief for almost my ENTIRE time as Cobra PIC on tail #567! A wonderful man and friend who ABSOLUTELY was the reason I am alive today instead of buried in a rice paddy in Nam!
Obituary:
Marty Sullivan, 75, of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, music, and devotion to family and craft.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, Marty spent his formative years in Covington, Louisiana, where he graduated high school and first pursued his love of music. A gifted musician, he was a member of John Fred and His Playboy Band, best known for their 1967 chart-topping hit "Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)." While music was his first love, a deeper calling led him to serve his country.
Marty enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning his military career as a parachute rigger before advancing to the elite ranks of the 75th Ranger Regiment after completing Ranger School. Just prior to deployment to Vietnam, Marty was selected for Army flight school, where he became a Cobra gunship pilot. During the Vietnam War, he flew over 1,000 hours of combat missions with the 1st Cavalry Division and with F Troop, 4th Cav Regiment contributing to the development of aerial combat tactics that continue to influence military aviation today.
Following his service, Marty earned his degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He went on to fly professionally with Petroleum Helicopters Inc. (PHI) in Houma, Louisiana, before settling in Jackson, Mississippi, to work alongside his father at Ace Blinds, Inc. Eventually taking over the family business, Marty later found great satisfaction working independently—reflecting his lifelong preference for forging his own path.
Marty was a man of sharp intellect, quiet strength, and unshakable integrity. Known for his diligent work ethic, deep wisdom, and fierce loyalty, he was someone people turned to for guidance—and for help fixing just about anything. He was a man of many talents, but his passion for firearms was singular and unmatched.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane, whom he cherished deeply, son, Matthew Robert Sullivan, brother, Robert Sullivan.
Charles is survived by his Two Sons, Larry Beauchaine of Canton, MS, Charles M Sullivan, Jr. of Bartlett, TN; Daughter, Tracy B Buquet of Houma, LA; Sister, Julie Downey; 8 Grandchildren; 6 Great Grandchildren. Marty’s life was a testament to perseverance, devotion, and quiet heroism. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be Saturday June 7, 2025 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, MS from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 pm at Natchez Trace Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a private inurnment in Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery.