Edwin Charles Obituary

Edwin Barrett Charles, exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and lawyer, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023.

He leaves behind his wife, Barbara, and three children: Lisa Charles, Valerie Charles (Cameron Grant), and Jason Charles (Anca). He is also survived by three step-children: Richard "Todd" Arnett (Tabitha), Tammy Arnett Gardner (Wayne), and Mark "Shannon" Arnett (Sherry), as well as nephew and niece, Vincent and Donna Tina Charles, and step-sisters Josie Ruth Starnes and Helen Weems.

Lovingly known as Grandpa, Papaw and Pappy, Ed will be missed by his grandchildren Frances and Coburn Grant, Ian and Olivia Charles, Lindsey Gardner, Shannon Arnett, Hannah, Aliveah and Aubrey Holley, Ashlyn and Noah Morell, and Heather, Halyn, Graham, Luke and Oliver Nobles, Logan, Braysin, Archie, Devan, Lela, Roman Loveless, Zaylor, Aylah, Tyler, Dalson, Dustin and Brycen Arnett. They will all miss his big smile, warm hugs, fun stories, and encouragement to take a shot at living a great life.

Ed was born in Rogersville, Tennessee on March 22, 1943, to the late Gale and Pearl Charles. When he was two years old, Ed's father died serving in World War II. His mother remarried Daryl Weems, and Ed and his brother John grew up on the Weems' farm near Baileyton, Tennessee. A star high school basketball player, Ed graduated at the top of his class in 1961 and went on to earn a B.A. in History at East Tennessee State University in 1965 and a J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1968.

A born advocate and skilled trial lawyer, Ed spent nearly 50 years fighting for the rights of individuals from his office on West Market Street in Johnson City. He truly enjoyed his career and served his clients with passion and a steady hand. His love of work was second only to his love of family. In 2011, Ed married Barbara, his perfect partner in every sense of the word, and he was never happier than in the years he spent by her side. Whether traveling, dancing, or taking care of grandchildren, Ed was most at home laughing with his "Barbie." She took care of him through his recent years of illness as only she could. He was also the world's best dad.

Ed had a lifelong love of history, law, and civics. He served on the Board of Directors of the Boys Club of Johnson City and was an active member of the Jaycees of Johnson City for decades. He also served as President of the Bar Association of Johnson City and was a member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. He appreciated and supported both fine and performing arts, classic cars, and travel. Famously authentic and always with sage advice, Ed will be tremendously missed by all the friends and family who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father Gale Wiley Charles, mother Mary Pearl Barrett Charles Weems, and brother John Robert Charles.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City. The family will receive friends from 5-6 pm, and a celebration of life service will follow at 6 pm. The graveside committal service will take place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 11 am at Salem Cemetery, 1927 Lost Mountain Pike in Greeneville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Charles family. (423) 610-7171.