Vernon (Chuck) Melvin Luhrs, Jr.

Vernon (Chuck) Melvin Luhrs, Jr. of Covington, GA passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the age of 58.  He was born on February 9, 1966, in Gadsden, Alabama and graduated from Southside High School in 1984.

Chuck then began his six-year career in the Navy where he attended electronics and radar school graduating second in his class. Chuck was stationed on the USS Dale and the USS Mount Whitney, served as Guided Missile Fire Control Technician where he crossed Qaddafi’s “Line of Death” in 1986. After attaining the rank of Petty Officer, First Class and fulfilling his service obligation, Chuck left the Navy and moved on to the next chapter of his life.

Mr. Luhrs began working in the medical field as a Field Service Engineer.  Upon leaving GE Healthcare, Chuck made a pivotal decision in 2014 to start his own company, Digital X-Ray Services, with help from his friend Charlie McAllister. While running DXS he also played an integral role in forming multiple companies including Innovative Radiology, Advanced Southern Imaging, and Southern Imaging Solutions with his partners and friends, Josh Glas and Kyle Hall.

Vernon Melvin Luhrs is survived by his wife of twenty-five years Johnna Krutilla Luhrs; daughter Mallory; sons: John and Matthew; stepson Nicholas Williams; sisters: Kay (Vernon) Lee, Dee (Ken) Guthrie, Karen Money, and Melvia Savage; and mother-in-law Donna Krutilla. He is preceded in passing by his dear parents Vernon and Phyllis Luhrs.

He was known as “Mel” to his family and “Chuck” to his friends. Chuck truly enjoyed his work but also loved taking fishing trips with his family and spending time hunting, gardening, and cooking together.  His sons and daughter meant the world to him. Chuck was never one to turn down a challenge and he was never afraid to take risks. He was hard-working and devoted to every aspect of his life. He always pushed not only himself, but also others, to do better and accomplish more than anyone thought possible. He had an amazing sense of humor and never went a day without joking around with his family or friends. Contrary to his outwardly strong and serious appearance he had a kind and caring heart that touched so many. Though he will be dearly missed, he will live on through his accomplishments, family, friends, shared memories and stories for generations to come.

A Funeral Service for Mr. Luhrs will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, 2:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Pastor Mike Hardy officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, two hours prior to his service, from 12 Noon – 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org / or the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org /.