Charles Douglass Waller

Charles Douglass Waller lit up every room he walked into. He was a remarkable Husband, Father, WaWa (Grandfather), friend, and mentor. He left this world suddenly on September 2, 2023, at the age of 80 after a brief battle with an aggressive cancer.

Charles was one of eight children born to Joe and Minnie Waller on April 23, 1943, in Cookeville, Tennessee. After a tour of duty in Africa with the U.S. Army Security Agency, Charles graduated from University of South Florida and then obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida in 1970. He immediately joined the firm of Larkin & Larkin in Dade City, Florida. As President of the Pasco County Bar Association early in his career, he and other local attorneys started a free legal aid clinic during evening hours for those unable to afford legal representation. Charles served on many Florida Bar Committees including the Judicial Selection Committee and the Sixth Judicial Grievance Committee. He also taught law classes at Pasco Hernando Community College (now known as Pasco Hernando State College) and frequently returned to his alma mater to speak on legal ethics at the Frederick G. Levin College of Law.

For 52 years, Charles served Pasco and surrounding counties as a practicing trial attorney, title agent, arbitrator and mediator, including 12 years as attorney for the City of Zephyrhills. Charles was the Senior Partner at Waller Law. Cindy, who later became his wife, began working for Charles on her 17th birthday and worked alongside him for 51 years.

He was a proud and competitive man who did not lack confidence. He stood out in the Courtroom with his array of animal skin cowboy boots. He joked that he handled everything from adoptions to land zoning disputes, including 33 murder cases.

He was a founding Director of many local banks. He was active in politics and was appointed to several state positions by Governor Bush, Governor Crist, and Governor Scott. While Charles loved his legal career, ranching was his true passion. You could often find him at Waller Ranch with a double styrofoam cup feeding his cows and singing karaoke.

Charles was survived by his beautiful wife, Cindy; his children, LeAnne John (Alan), Tanner McKendree (Nancy), Matthew McKendree (Lauren), and Chelsea Waller-Douthard (Sean); and his seven grandchildren, Austin, Ethan, Carson, Brooks, Michael, Wade, and Hayes.

Dennis Alfonso

Most lawyers could spot Dennis Alfonso because of his colorful collection of bow ties and his easy nature. He was always good natured and willing to spend a moment talking about life before getting down to business. Sometimes he would talk about his love of his family, or playing music (and was a member of several bands some of which were with other lawyers in the area). Dennis was the type of lawyer that would argue his point, but never forget to start the conversation by saying, “You know I love you, but….”.

Dennis was one of a kind and active in our East Pasco Bar Association Board. From the time the association was reborn several years ago despite his illness and thriving law practice responsibilities he continued to be involved. He memorably volunteered to play live music at Judge Tepper’s retirement party.

While at Stetson, he met and later married the love of his life, Nancy McClain Alfonso in 1995. Together they returned to Dade City where he joined McClain, Dwyer & Sestak his father in law’s law firm. The law firm saw many changes over the years, including name changes (the firm is now Alfonso Hersch), but Dennis and Nancy continued to share the leadership responsibilities of the firm. Dennis was certified by the Florida Supreme Court as an expert in Education Law and put his mark on the firm by representing not only the Pasco County School Board and later the Hernando County School Board and also the Pasco County Clerk of Court.

He passed on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at age 59. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children Alex and India, and brothers Cesar (Julie) and Robert (Clara). Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. May 27 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City.

A Celebration of Life was held at on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City.