Charles "Mike" Michael McCaskill

Charles Michael McCaskill “Mike”, 78, of Cross City, Florida, passed away December 7, 2022. He was born July 31, 1944 in Gainesville, Florida to the late Bert B. McCaskill and Hildred Michael McCaskill, and raised in the Baptist faith. Mike was a PADI dive instructor since 1966 in open water and cave diving but his love was cave diving. He located and worked on the City of Hawkinsville on the Suwannee River and had it declared as the first underwater historical preserve in the state of Florida. He was instrumental in developing the artificial reef program in Dixie and Levy Counties. Mike started a Marine Science Program in Levy County, teaching many students to dive as part of the program. He was the Sponsor and Director of the Dixie County Search and Rescue Dive Team for many years. Mike was a certified Pilot and Boat Captain and a Scout Leader in Dixie County for many years; he enjoyed any outdoor excursions including camping, kayaking, canoeing, mountain and road biking, fly fishing and spending time on the Suwannee River. An educator by trade, Mike served many years as a Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal, and Principal for school systems in Dixie, Madison, Hernando, Levy and Baker Counties. Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara A Rowell McCaskill of Cross City, Florida; sons, Marc (Kristen) McCaskill of Cross City, Florida, Todd (Devyn) Chorvat of Bronson, Florida and Dane (Tiffany) Chorvat of Bronson, Florida; daughter, Mari-Michael (Troy) Smith of Trenton, Florida; grandchildren, Kayse, Katie, Peyton, Kyler, Amie, Trace, Kade, Rhealyn, Annastyn, Kate, Bristol and Jackson; three great grandchildren; sister, Kay Harden of Cross City, Florida; and nephews, Scott Harden of Cross City, Florida and John McKinney of Cross City, Florida. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Hannah Michaelyn Jones. Funeral services for Mike will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chapel, Cross City, Florida with Rev. Michael Killian and Rev. Joe Brooks officiating. Burial will follow at Cross City Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Charles "Mike" Michael McCaskill

July 31, 1944 - December 7, 2022