SOUTH PORTLAND — Charles F. Latham Jr., 79, passed away on Sept. 27, 2011, after a long illness.

He was born the son of Charles and Rita (Johnson) Latham on Feb. 25, 1932, in Portland, and was raised in Gorham Center.

Mr. Latham served proudly in the U.S. Army as a field medic and earned the Bronze Star.

He married the love of his life, Dorothy Wilcox, on Aug. 8, 1959, at St. Dominic’s in Portland.

Charles worked at Stauffer Chemical and for the South Portland School District.

A true Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, he also loved the ocean, lobstering and fishing at the Portland Harbor where he spent many years. He enjoyed bowling and playing cards with family and friends. Soon after retirement, he would travel with his wife, sister-in-law, Ida, and brother-in-law, Peter.

He was predeceased by his brother, William Latham.

Charlie was a loving family man and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy; his son Mark A. Latham of Raymond; his daughter, Lynne M. Latham-Estey of Raymond; three grandchildren, whom he loved very much; and brothers, Robert Latham and Norman Sprague.

Visiting hours were held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, where a funeral service was held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: The American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074 or to the Gibson Pavilion, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.