Carl Edwin Fletcher

Carl was born in Silver Spring, Maryland on November 16, 1920. His family soon moved to Alexandria, Virginia where he sold flowers and eggs along the cobblestone streets. Christ Church is renowned as the home church for George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Later, it was also the church where Carl and his family were members.

Carl married the love of his life, Lila Ruple on August 22, 1943. They spent over 73 years together, dancing to Big Band music, walking hand-in-hand and often singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” as a way to say, “Good Morning.” Today, the day-to-day stories of their marriage serve as a legacy of love and lifelong commitment.

After receiving his Master of Commercial Science from Strayer College of Accountancy in 1941, Carl later earned a second Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami. From there he became a die-hard Miami Hurricanes fan, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer for his team. He will be buried in his favorite Hurricanes hat, shirt and jacket, along with a matching pillow made by his granddaughter.

Mr. Fletcher was a member of the Greatest Generation, honorably serving his country in the Philippines during World War II (1943-1946). His daily letters to Lila recount the history of the invasions of Leyte and the Lingayen Gulf, the recapture of Bataan and Corregidor, and the command of General MacArthur. They also expressed his dedication to our country, respect of the Filipino people and his dire love for Lila and young daughter, Carol.

After returning home from the war, Carl worked for the Veterans Administration Hospitals for over 35 years, most recently serving as Assistant Administrator of the Mountain Home VA Hospital in Johnson City, TN. Since his retirement, Mr. Fletcher worked diligently to preserve the beauty of upper East Tennessee through his roles as Executive Director of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, President of Scenic Tennessee, and Chairman of the Johnson City Tree and Appearance Board.

Through the years, Carl and Lila had four children and four grandchildren. Their oldest daughter, Carol Meekhof, lived in Spring Lake, Michigan at the time of her passing in 2017. Jean Hoffman, their middle daughter, and husband Rick reside in Castro Valley, California. The Hoffmans have two children, Daniel and Matthew. The couple’s third child, David, died soon after childbirth. Karen Wiese, their youngest daughter, her husband George and two children, Benjamin and Megan live in Tucson, AZ. Carl was always there for his family through their ups and downs and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer.

Carl’s beloved wife Lila passed away on September 14, 2016. As they planned, the couple will soon be buried together at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City Tennessee, with full military honors.

People wishing to honor Carl’s lifelong commitment to family, church and community can make donations to the following by clicking below: