Charles Ronald Trammell, “Henry” the Radiator Man, Dies at 95

Charles Ronald Trammell affectionately known to thousands as “Henry” the Radiator Man passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on September 5, 2025. Born in Cairo, Georgia on May 9, 1930, Ronald was the proprietor of the Tallahassee Radiator Shop, a family business in Tallahassee for almost 100 years. He had an uncanny ability to make things work or to build things that would. His knowledge and craftmanship earned him a national following among the antique automobile industry and he was featured in Discovery Channels show “Trans Am”, and in an August 2020 article by Marina Brown, published in the Tallahassee Democrat.

A Leon High School, alumnus, Ronald Joined the Navy in 1950 after graduation and shortly thereafter married his High School sweetheart Henrietta Lopez. He served his country during the Korean War as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Walton enforcing blockades along the Manchurian Coast. The time he and Henritta spent in Hawaii (Home Port Pearl Harbor) were some of his most cherished memories. A proud veteran, Ronald flew colors until the day of his death and received the well wishes and a few free meals while sporting his Navy Veteran cover which he laughingly referred to as his “Moneymaker”.

Ronald enjoyed hosting his children and their families at his cottage on the Ochlocknee River or at his Beach house at Cape San Blas. When his daughters were younger, the family made weekly pilgrimages to the River House where the days were filled with fishing and water skiing, a skill Ronald had honed as a summer performer at Cypress Gardens. When grandchildren were added to the mix scalloping at St Joseph’s Bay became a family favorite. Henrietta and Ronald retired to Grayton Beach in 2020.

During retirement and in addition to living at the beach, Ronald enjoyed traveling and made numerous excursions to places his responsibilities would not allow him to visit while working. A trip to St Croix with his grandson and to Honduras where he ziplined over Roatan and Costa Maya to see the ruins were the highlights of his Caribbean adventures. An avid history buff, he also enjoyed his trips to the Texas hill country and the Alamo as well as his trek through civil war historical sites. None of his later in life adventures, however, gave him a bigger thrill then the vendors floor at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Houston, where he promptly ignored his wife’s admonition not to buy anything.

A devout Christian, Ronald and Henrietta were early members of Christian Heritage Church where Ronald served as a Deacon in his younger years. Having been blessed with good health and long life, there are more family and friends waiting to receive him than left to mourn. Ronald was predeceased by his wife of 72 years Henrietta (2023), and his parents Charles and Candice Trammell, his brother David Trammell and his very special in-laws Henry and Evetta Lopez. He is survived by his daughters Lynn Marie Harmon and Rona Kay Fuchs; his grandchildren Daniel Harmon IV, Taylor Harmon (Alyssa), Morgan Corbin (Andrew), Jillian Harmon, Merrick Fuchs, and Tara Fuchs; and by a great granddaughter Charlotte Rose Corbin. Ronald also leaves behind his sister Ginger Harlan, cousin Frank Trammell, and sister-in-law Faye Trammell, all very special people in his life; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The family will be receiving guests for a brief visitation at Bevis Funeral Home on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 4:00pm with a funeral service to immediately follow at 4:30pm. Interment will be held at Roselawn Cemetery following the conclusion of the service.

Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.