Charles Burrell Obituary

LTC (R) Charles F. Burrell (Fred) passed away March 17, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center from injuries sustained in a fall. Born in Erwin, TN to Arthur James and Pauline (Justice) Burrell on October 28, 1937, he graduated from Unicoi County High School and shortly after joined the US Navy, serving as a hospital corpsman for two years. Returning to Erwin, he attended East Tennessee State University, receiving a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army upon graduation. After traveling the world in service to his country for 26 years, he retired and eventually made his way back to Erwin where he spent the remaining years of his life. An avid golfer, he scored two holes-in-one during his playing years. He was adept at all things mechanical and electrical and helped many friends and family with repairs and projects over the years, many at his own expense. He was a staunch advocate for veterans and veterans' rights. He loved UCHS basketball, having played on the team in his youth, and attended as many games as he could. He was renowned for his excellent homemade peanut butter fudge, which he distributed far and wide. He had a vast knowledge of the history of the town of Erwin and enjoyed sharing that with friends and family. He was generous to a fault.

Fred was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, his boyhood church that he rejoined upon his return to Erwin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister Carolyn Orton, twin brother Norman Franklin Burrell, brother Arthur James Burrell, Jr., and grandson Michael James Weldon, of whom he was particularly fond of.

Left to cherish his memory, he is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Alice L. Burrell (Ward), whom he loved very much, daughters Teresa Burrell of Orlando, FL, Cynthia Weldon (Jim) of Lebanon, TN, son Charles Burrell of Johnson City, TN, grandchildren Joshua Burrell, Jacob Burrell, Kristin Midkiff (Anthony), Jonathan Weldon, Jeremy Burrell, great-granddaughter Phoebe Alice Burrell, special niece Melanie Gortney (Danny), special cousin Eddie Evans (Kathy), and countless friends across the country and in the community.

A Celebration of Fred's life will be conducted on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 am at Centenary United Methodist Church, 203 North Elm Avenue, Erwin, TN with Reverend Linda Rozar officiating. All are welcome to attend. Fred donated his body to the Quillen College of Medicine for medical research and a graveside service will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's name can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Organization and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, if you are so led.