Charles Michael Locke, 56, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly, on July 8, 2025. He was born on January 6, 1969, in Nashville, Tennessee to parents, Charles Locke and Sandra Wilson.
Charles grew up in Nashville. He attended Hunter’s Lane High School and Middle Tennessee State University. Professionally, he has worked in several areas, particularly in computer technology, at Alexander Imports and Exports. But since ninth grade, he took a special interest in martial arts. He eventually became a Mixed Martial Artist. A mixed martial artist (MMA fighter) is a combat sports athlete who competes in mixed martial arts, a full-contact sport that combines techniques and skills from various martial arts disciplines. These disciplines include both striking (like boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai) and grappling (like wrestling, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu). MMA fighters train to be proficient in both stand-up and ground fighting, using a variety of techniques to gain an advantage over their opponent. Charles has trained multiple professionals in this line of defense.
Charles’ martial arts gained him much respect; but it was the other side of Charles that attracted so many friends. Charles loved to cook and bar-be-que. He had so many friends and is described as “the kindest man”. He loved “Jackson”, the family dog, loved living with his Mom, cherished time spent with his Dad and looked forward to their nightly phone conversations. He was a history buff – but above all, he was an ordinary, hard-working man. He loved well . . . was well – loved . . . and will be greatly missed.
Charles is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Locke. He is survived by his daughter, Skylar Locke; mother, Sandra Wilson; by his father, Charles Locke, Jr.; his brother, Kirk Locke; and a nephew, Christian Locke. Charles also leaves behind a host of friends.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at the Hermitage Funeral Home on Thursday, July 10, from 4pm – 7pm, and Friday, July 11, from 12pm – 2pm. Following the visitation on Friday, there will be a Celebration of Life in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home, beginning at 2:00pm. Following the service, Charles will be laid to rest in the Garden of Memories at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Fond memories, pictures, and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Locke family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.
