Charles G. Bridwell

Charles G. Bridwell, 93, of Kingsport went home to be with the Lord Sunday, January 27, 2019, at Elmcroft Assisted Living following a period of declining health. Born in Kingsport on April 27, 1925, a son of the late Guy and Beulah Bridwell, he had resided in this area his entire life except for his time in service and when he lived in Knoxville while attending the University of Tennessee.

He graduated from Blountville High School.  Charles was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Navy stationed on the destroyer USS Irwin. He graduated from the University of Tennessee. He married Juanita Rose Parris on March 26, 1948, in Kingsport, Tennessee. He retired from Eastman Kodak in 1986 following 31 years of service. He was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church since the 1980’s where he served as Sunday School teacher, choir member and Elder.

Charles was a member of Indian Springs Ruritan and he was Ruritan National President in 1973.  He was a long time member of the Sullivan County School Board and former president of the Tennessee State School Board. He was a member of Whiteside Masonic Lodge #13 F.&A.M. He was on the Eastman Family Bowling League and the Holston Defense Softball League.  Charles was recognized by many organizations for his dedication and service to the community.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, Dad, Papaw, and friend who loved attending church, talking, Atlanta Braves, boxing, University of Tennessee athletics and serving his community.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Darsula Ferrell, Brighter Days, Caris Hospice, and the staff of Elmcroft Assisted Living.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Frances Ann, and brothers Don Bridwell, and Jeff Bridwell.

Charles is survived by his wife of 70 years, Juanita Parris Bridwell; daughter, Janet Carrick and husband, Herman Carrick, Jr. of Blountville; two grandchildren, Nicki Salyer and husband, David of Gray, and Lee Carrick of Blountville; three great-grandchildren, Nolan Salyer, Emily Salyer, and Ava Salyer; and several special nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, in the chapel with the Rev. Dr. Martin L. Stokes, Jr. and Gary Bement, Pastor Emeritus officiating.

Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. Military honors will be accorded by The American Legion, Hammond Post 3 and Gate City Post 265.

Herman Carrick, Jr., David Salyer, George Bridwell, Steve Bridwell, Pat Bridwell and Wayne Noel will serve as pallbearers.  Lee Carrick and Nolan Salyer will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1593 Warpath Dr., Kingsport, TN, 37664, Alzheimer’s Tennessee Northeast Tennessee Office, 3212 Hanover Rd., Ste. 5, Johnson City, TN 37604 or the charity of the donor’s choice.