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Obituary
Obituary of Charles Martin Sullivan
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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, 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.
Saturday
7
June
Public Visitation
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Natchez Trace Funeral Home
759 Hwy 51
Madison, Mississippi, United States
601-898-8565
Need Directions?
Saturday
7
June
Memorial Service
2:00 pm
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Natchez Trace Funeral Home
759 Highway 51
Madison, Mississippi, United States
601-898-8565
Need Directions?
Private Inurnment
Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery
759 Highway 51
Madison, Mississippi, United States
601-898-8565
Need Directions?
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In Loving Memory
Charles Sullivan
1949 - 2025
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