CHARLES CORNELIOUS "NEIL" MOONEY

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Charles Cornelious Mooney (Neil), 95, passed away at home surrounded by family, on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Neil was born December 24, 1928, in Mooresburg, Tennessee to the late Charles and Johnnie Mooney. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Mooney, and his brothers, Bob and Jack Mooney. Neil graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, North Carolina. He met and married his sweetheart and partner of 71 years, graduated from the University of Georgia on a football scholarship, and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Army had another plan, for him to play football for them. He remained in the Army during the Korean conflict without an extended football career. Neil performed covert operations and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. After several years of teaching art, Neil received his master’s degree in art education from FSU and went on to become the Art Consultant with the State of Florida Department of Education, accrediting schools, creating the art curriculum for all the public schools in the State of Florida. Neil learned to fly in the mountains of North Carolina and later owned a plane which he used for faster travel throughout the state, with great pleasure. After he retired, he developed a catfish farm on the 62-acre family farm in Rutledge, Georgia. Later, he processed biofuel for businesses around town. He then started traveling the southeast doing watercolor workshops, extending his love of teaching. His interests and talents were many. Neil was beloved by all who knew him. He encouraged many students from the 1960’s Melbourne High School art classes to go on to become artists and pursue careers in the arts and art education, many of whom remained friends for life. His kindness extended to those in need through charities, donations of artwork, and a donation of a Pre-Columbian and African Art Collection to Florida State University. He is survived by his daughters, Becky Mooney Slade (Steve), Cyndi Mooney; his brother John Mooney (Deborah); granddaughters Sarah Cannon Asham (Matthew), and Morganne Hamby; grandson Clarke Cannon (Laura); greatgrandchildren, Juniper Beckett and Luca Asham; and nieces, Johnnie Sue Mooney Moore, Melissa Mooney, and Jennifer Mooney Campbell. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Big Bend Hospice, Tallahassee, or Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 2015 Fleischmann Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309 with a Celebration of Life following downstairs. Neil will be interred with his wife, Jane, at the Tallahassee National Cemetery. The family is being cared for by Jackie Fulford and James Sircy of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory.

CHARLES CORNELIOUS "NEIL" MOONEY

December 24, 1928 - November 3, 2024