Technical Sergeant Charles Edward Rachel, USAF, (Retired) passed peacefully to his eternal reward on April 24, 2026, at the James H. Quillen Medical Center. He was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, on August 14, 1935, to Henry “Joe” Rachel and Jessie Mays Rachel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Jessie Rachel, brother Danny Rachel and sister Joanne Farrow and foster child Nathan Conkin.
Charles is survived by his sons Danny Rachel (Mary) and Tim Rachel (Ginger), grandchildren Melanie Glas (Brian), Kellye Carmack (Craig), Christopher Rachel (Brittany) and step-grandchild Dylan Bullman. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, brother Ronnie Rachel (Bonnie) and his former spouse of 68 years, Janet Rachel, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Rachel was a patriot who proudly served over twenty years in the US Air Force where he served terms in Japan, Greenland, and Viet Nam; as well as numerous assignments in the United States, to include ROTC detachments in Indiana and Arkansas.
Charles never met a stranger and was easily loved by all who knew him. He loved life, had a great sense of humor and was known as a “fun uncle” and “fun Grandaddy”. He was compassionate and generous, putting others before himself.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to all those at the James H. Quillen Medical Center who provided outstanding, compassionate care for Mr. Rachel and his family. Furthermore, they appreciate the wonderful care from those who provided home health care and assistance. Extreme gratitude is felt for Kevin Bobrosky, who provided friendship and care well beyond being a physical therapist.
Services for TSgt Rachel will be held at East Lawn Funeral Home, Kingsport, Tennessee, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 10:50 A.M. with the celebration of life service beginning at 11:00 A.M, with Dr. Reggie Weems officiating. Interment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park where full military honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the Kingsport American Legion Post 3/265. Pallbearers will be Randy Edwards, Rusty McNamara, Bryan Miller, Mark Sherwood, Kevin Sherwood, James Sherwood. Honorary pallbearers will be John Bell, Justin Bell, Kevin Bobrosky, Ron Copas, Ronnie Minnick, Jimmy Robinette and Jeremiah Ross.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the James H. Quillen Medical Center.
East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is honored to serve the family of Charles Rachel.
