Charles "Chuck" Kunstbeck

Charles “Chuck” Kunstbeck, age 86, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on June 3, 2025, in Crab Orchard, West Virginia, while visiting family with his beloved wife, Karilyn. Born on August 20, 1938, in nearby Matoaka, West Virginia, Chuck’s life came full circle in the same hills where it began—surrounded by the love of family. Chuck proudly served in the United States Navy as a Radioman, an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for communication. After his military service, he became a devoted amateur radio operator, a pursuit he enjoyed for over 70 years. His call sign became familiar across the airwaves, connecting him to a community that spanned the country and beyond. He later worked for the United States Government in Washington, D.C., before transitioning into a successful and fulfilling career in real estate. As a broker, property manager, and business owner, Chuck built a reputation for integrity, dedication, and an unshakable willingness to help others—traits that defined his character both professionally and personally. Chuck had a deep love for family, and his greatest joy was spending time with those he cared about. He also had a lifelong passion for vintage automobiles, particularly his treasured 1931 Model A Ford, affectionately named “Honey Bun.” Purchased in 1972, “Honey Bun” was a constant companion on countless journeys. Chuck often said, “If you ever see the car on a trailer, you know it was stolen.” He believed wholeheartedly that “life is too short to drive boring cars.” Beyond driving, Chuck was an enthusiastic organizer in the antique car community. He coordinated numerous Model A and Model T driving tours, bringing together more than 50 fellow enthusiasts from up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Ever forward-looking, he was already planning the 2026 tour at the time of his passing. In 2014, Chuck and Karilyn retired to Tallahassee, Florida, where they embraced a quieter life filled with sunshine, meaningful friendships, and quality time with their children and grandson. Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Karilyn Kunstbeck; his children, Greg Kunstbeck and Pamela Rice; his son-in-law, Ron Rice; and his grandson, R.J. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a passionate car enthusiast; a dedicated veteran; and a man whose kindness and good humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida. Interment with military honors will follow at Tallahassee National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jack Hanbury Scholarship Fund Tallahassee Region Antique Auto Club P.O. Box 882 Tallahassee, Forida 32302. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Kunstbeck family with their arrangements,

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Charles "Chuck" Kunstbeck

August 20, 1938 - June 3, 2025