Charles Lamar Barrows

Charles Lamar Barrows, 73, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 22, 2026, passing peacefully while under the compassionate care of the staff at Erlanger Hospital.

Born on June 8, 1953, Charles spent most of his life in Chattanooga. Though he faced significant health challenges throughout much of his adult life, he was known for his resilience, determination, and fighting spirit. Those who knew Charles knew that he rarely backed down from adversity and faced life’s challenges with remarkable perseverance.

Charles was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Robert Kenneth Barrows and Mildred Caroline Eldredge Barrows, and by his birth parents, Charles Lamar Harbin and Jean Laverne Harbin.

He is survived by his son, Zack Barrows (Ashley), and his beloved granddaughter, Ryleigh Barrows, both of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his sister, Sherry Harbin Barrows of St. Augustine, Florida; his stepmother, Reba Harbin of Huntsville, Alabama; his nephew, Kenneth Ray Holt III (Angie) of East Ridge, Tennessee; his niece, Delona Lynné Johnson (Danny) of Chickamauga, Georgia; and his great-nieces and great-nephew, Ashley Holt, Abigail Johnson, and Spencer Holt, along with many extended family members and friends.

Charles worked for Walden Security and Pinkerton Security before health issues and disability brought his working years to an end. Despite these challenges, he remained active in his community and faithful to the things he enjoyed. He was an avid reader who loved spending time at the library and could often be found with a book in hand.

For more than twenty years, Charles was a devoted member of Brainerd Baptist Church. He volunteered at numerous church events and was a familiar face to many as a regular greeter at the church doors. He never met a stranger and enjoyed welcoming others with a smile and a kind word. His church family was an important part of his life, and he was grateful for the friendships and fellowship he found there. Though his family mourns his passing, they rejoice in the assurance of his faith and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Charles during his final days and to Brainerd Baptist Church who faithfully ministered to and supported the family during this time.

A memorial service for Charles Barrows will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the BX Center Loft on the campus of Brainerd Baptist Church, 4011 Austin Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411, with Ethan Speicher and Steve Rowland officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414.