Charles Robert Thacker Jr.

United States Navy Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr. passed away on April 13, 2020 due to complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 while in the line of duty.

Thacker was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Growing up, he loved being outdoors and spending time with his father. He often spoke fondly about the things they did together, which revolved around their shared interests, including cars, shooting guns and photography. As an adult, Thacker combined his love for the outdoors, long range shooting and working on cars by entering into the world of “Jeeping” (off-roading in a Jeep vehicle). Each year, he and his friends took their Jeeps on the Rubicon Trail in California. Thacker and his wife, Symantha, met while both deployed on the USS Ronald Reagan. The pair later married and had two beautiful children.

In December of 1997, seven months after graduating from high school, Thacker enlisted in the US Navy. Following his graduation from boot camp and Aviation Ordnanceman “A” School, he reported to the USS Constitution for his first tour. Throughout his career, Thacker also served on the USS Kitty Hawk, USS Ronald Reagan, USS George Washignton and USS Theodore Roosevelt. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His major awards and commendations included the Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, six Sea Service Deployment Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Ribbon and Pistol Expert Ribbon. While on his final assignment with the USS Theodore Roosevelt, Thacker contracted COVID-19 and suddenly passed away at the US Naval Hospital in Guam.

Symantha, having recently retired after 20 honorable years of service, is looking forward to finally putting down some roots for herself and her children. She is grateful to Tunnel to Towers for giving her the opportunity to do so in an incredible community while also allowing her the freedom to be fully present in her children’s lives, something she was not able to do while on active duty. Finally, Symantha would like others to know that her husband was a passionate man who was full of life. His sense of humor was infectious, never failing to make those around him laugh. Thacker had a way of inspiring others to be better. His sailors were proud to work for him. He is extremely missed and has left a hole in the lives of not only his family and friends, but the sailors he led.

United States Navy Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr. is survived by his wife, Symantha, their children, Kayleigh and Charlie; and his parents, Bonnie and Charles Robert Thacker Sr.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Thacker family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.