Charlie was a steady, kind, and hardworking man who believed deeply in doing what was right. He graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School in 1958 and began working at a young age on his family’s farm alongside his father, delivering eggs and milk. Those early years shaped his lifelong love of farming and learning.
He served in the National Guard and spent 45 years working for Norfolk Southern Railroad. After retirement, Charlie continued serving his community by driving a school bus for eight years. He also worked in security at Abba’s House, where he and his wife were longtime members beginning in 1991. Charlie valued service, consistency, and commitment in all areas of his life.
The greatest joy of Charlie’s life was his marriage to Katherine “Jean” Ritchie. On September 18, 1965, he married the love of his life, and together they shared 60 beautiful years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary on September 18, 2025. Their life together was marked by devotion, loyalty, and deep love. Jean passed on September 29, 2025, and now, after a brief time apart, they are reunited once again.
Charlie is survived by his sisters: Evelyn Patterson of Groveoak, Alabama; Judie Waller of Flintstone, Georgia; and Sherry Moore of Paradise Valley, Arizona; along with his nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own. He took great pride in helping raise them, offering guidance, patience, and unwavering support. His love for family was constant and deeply felt, leaving a lasting impact on all who were blessed to call him Uncle Charlie.
Charlie will be remembered for his gentle nature, strong work ethic, and the love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
The family will receive friends from 1 pm to 3 pm on Sunday, Jan 4, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Charlie’s life will follow at 3 pm on Sunday at the North Chapel with Lea Martin officiating. Burial will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park, Top Pavilion on Monday, January 5 at 1 pm. We will leave and go in a procession from the North Chapel on Monday at 12:30 pm, if you would like to follow us to the cemetery.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
