Charles Andrew Holman, Jr., better known as "Ace" or "Chuck," died on Nov. 9, 2013 in Mobile, Ala. after an extended and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born in Kannapolis, N.C. June 27, 1938, Ace was one of our youngest classmates and brought with him the easy grace and charm of his Southern roots.

Many of us remember Ace for his courage, individualism and sometimes daring exploits during our time at the Academy. He was a member of the USAFA Mountaineering Club, and was remembered by Howie Whitfield as a daring and adept climber. Ace was fearless, loved sports and was a gifted athlete. George Pupich recalls his frustration that Ace beat him in every foot race, which was unusual for George.

Ace was probably the only cadet to own a monkey, "Buddy," during his senior year. Indeed, several of his classmate's parents vividly remember babysitting the little beast during Graduation Week.

In August 1960, "Buddy" in tow, Ace reported for primary flight training at Graham Air Base in Marianna, Fla. Ace's quick mind and athleticism made him well suited to the cockpit and on solo flights he would take his aircraft to the limits, to learn for himself the true capabilities of our jet-powered training aircraft (as he did with his Alfa Romeo). He completed pilot training at Craig AFB, Selma, Ala. in August 1961, and in due course reported to McGuire AFB in New Jersey for upgrade training the USAF's new C-135 transport.

In the words of Wayne Kendall, "Ace was a free spirit." Wayne, Ken Alnwick and Ace were roommates at a place dubbed "Happy Hill Farms" 15 miles from McGuire. Ken remembers Ace for his "unflagging good humor and willingness to seek new challenges."

In 1963, frustrated by lack of flying time and having no desire to fly multi-engine aircraft, Ace left the Air Force to join the emerging new world of computers. Ace worked for RCA and was on the team that sold the first computer system to Disney World. RCA was acquired by Univac, and as branch manager, Ace was part of the team that sold a computer system to the University of Alabama. Ace was proud of this accomplishment and the fact that Bear Bryant would be using it. In 1978 Ace became SE Regional Manager with Triad Systems in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and in 1985 joined Texas Instruments in Chicago, Ill. He finished his career in Mobile with Alabama Technology Network, and retired in 2006 due to his health. According to his co-worker and friend, Bayne Bridges, "Ace was a tough competitor and did not like to lose."

Ace set up and ran the Class of '60's first website and operated it until his health restricted him.

Ace met the love of his life, Louise "Weese" Holman on a blind date for a Mardi Gras Ball in Mobile in Feb. 1992, moved to Mobile and they were married in Feb. 1993. Weese was his angel and caretaker during his struggle with Parkinson's. He is survived by Weese, his five children, Stacey, Chuck, Kira, Jonas and Arica, six grandchildren and Weese's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known to them as "Papa Chuck" and loved by all.

I know that all of us in the Class of '60 are proud to have been his friend and Brothers in Blue, and he will be remembered and missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him.