Michael Paul Charness, beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, co-worker, event organizer and friend passed from this earthly life into his heavenly one on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. He is survived by his wife Bonnie Whitt, his daughter Ramona Jackson, his parents Robert and Ruby Charness and his sister Laurie Laramie (Mike). He is also survived by his step sons Will Clem (Cortney) and Stephen Clem, as well as his seven grandchildren: Ian, Wyatt, Austin, Houston, Mason, Jackson and Nathan. His formal education included a Master in Business Administration from USC.

Michael lived life to the fullest. His motto was 'live well', which he certainly did! He was an avid learner, an experimenter, a risk taker, accomplished and educated. Whatever he put his hand to often ended up becoming a business. For example, he melded calligraphy with technology creating one of the first font packages for personal computers. This experimentation led to a lucrative venture with Kevin O'Leary, whom you may know from Shark Tank, and was distributed worldwide! For fun, he airbrushed a racing helmet for himself, posted a picture online and had numerous requests from many famous people to do one for them. Most recently, he took up the hobby of 3D printing in order to make accessories for his own rifle, which soon others were begging to buy.

Michael traveled the world, some for fun and adventure, and some to serve our great nation. He worked for Northrup and Morton Thiocol, then eventually got clearances to work in high levels of government. Even his family and friends could not know what he was actually involved in. Once time his mother asked one of his friends how he knew her son. The friend responded that if he told her, he'd have to shoot her!

Dec 4th 2014 marked the beginning of Michael and Bonnie's love story- he won her heart and Bonnie says that he was like no man she had ever dated. He would take her to watch Disney movies then on to shooting machine guns at Swan Creek. He would send her Youtube song videos to let her know he was thinking of her. Emailing Youtube videos back and forth soon became a way of communication between them. When he sent her the song, "When the Right One Comes Along," Bonnie knew that things had turned serious. One thing led to another and they married on July 7, 2017- The 7th day of the 7th month of the 17th year at the 7th hour in the south coast of Jamaica, playing and dancing to the song, "Some Kind of Wonderful." As the years went on, when they had something important to say, they would continue to communicate in song.

In retirement Michael organized shooting matches at the Blue and Gray Rifle/Pistol club, and provided specialty firearm services through his "Emcee Company" which he founded. He also enjoyed participating in Ferrari shows and competitions, taking second place at the 2015 Citta' Scenico Rally in Chattanoga, Tennessee.

Over his lifetime Michael met and mentored many people from all over the world and from all walks of life. The people whose lives he touched keep his vision and work alive.

A receiving of friends will be held at Berryhill Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, with a memorial service immediately following.