Charles Thomas Early Jr

March 3, 1933 - January 20, 2018

Charles completed his work on Earth to join his Father in Heaven after a long and courageous battle with several long-term illnesses. Until his final breath, Charles continued to teach all he loved how to face life's trials with courage, respect, curiosity, a strong will, a positive attitude, and trust and faith in The Lord.

Charles leaves behind his love of 63+ years, Eleanor Ann Brogden Early, three daughters he cherished; Sherry Early, Renee Early, and Gail Early Jokerst. He dearly loved their spouses as his own sons, David Starr (Sherry Early) and John Jokerst, Jr. He was so proud of his grandchildren, Charlie McDaniel, Shannon McDaniel, and Sam Jokerst, and loved his nieces and nephews from the Brogden and Kates families. He also cherished his cousin Doug Weigel, who he considered his brother, and his sister-in-law, Sara Brogden Kates, whom he considered a sister. Charles was predeceased by his father, Charles Thomas Early; mother, Mary Cobb Early; aunt, Gwendolyn Cobb Weigel, sister, Jean Early, and daughter, Leigh Ann Early.

Charles graduated from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering in 1957. He enjoyed a long and successful career spanning 33 years with Eastman Kodak Company, and Tennessee Eastman Company that took him around the country and overseas building and managing major construction projects. He was responsible for the engineering and construction of facilities for Eastman, including the Coal Gasification Plant (at that time - the first in the industry) in Kingsport. At retirement, Charles was on the General Management Staff, Eastman Chemical Division responsible for maintenance in both Europe and the United States. Charles was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He received numerous awards and recognitions including the President's Award three consecutive years while at Eastman.

Charles was a passionate and avid volunteer serving in leadership and board positions with First Broad Street United Methodist Church (Trustee), Holston United Methodist Home for Children, Cosmopolitan Kiwanis Club International, and served on numerous city and community improvement groups. With a love for sports, Charles enjoyed refereeing both high school football and basketball for TSSAA, and served as President of the Upper TN Association of Referees. Charles was proud to be an honorary member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, St. Andrews, Scotland.

He was an Eagle Scout and most proud of his years of service with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He served as the VP of the Sequoyah Council and on the National Executive Board. He received many awards from BSA including the James West Award, but considered receiving the Silver Beaver Award one of his biggest honors. Charles lived his life teaching others how to envision and create positive outcomes from any circumstance. He always saw the potential in everyone and every situation, and worked valiantly to help others see it as well.

An avid golfer and fisherman allowed Charles to share lots of good times and the ability to create great stories and memories with his many friends - Charles never met a stranger - everyone who met him came away a friend.

He loved a challenge, a good laugh, a positive attitude, and most of all - his family and friends.

The family wishes to thank his many wonderful Amedisys Hospice caregivers, especially Shamrock McClellan, CNA, Tiffany Miller, RN, Joanie DePriest, RN, Ashley Skeens, RN, and personal caregiver Bill Birch, all whom provided their care, respect, and love to Charles. Your care is deeply appreciated.

Visitation will be held at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Tuesday, January 23rd from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A graveside service officiated by Rev. Jack Weikel will be held at Murphy's Chapel Cemetery in Sevierville, TN, Wednesday, January 24th at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, Boy Scouts of America - Sequoyah Council of Johnson City, or First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

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