Charles Andrew Kelly

Charles Andrew Kelly, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Charles faced his disease with the same incredible courage, optimism, and dignity which carried him through most of his life. He enjoyed every day of his life and made friends wherever he went. With his kind and generous nature, he touched and had a positive impact on so many people during his 87 years. He was a strong believer in Christ and encouraged many individuals by his unwavering faith. Born on August 28th, 1928 in Robins Chapel, VA, he graduated from Dryden High School and served in the Air Force at NaHa Air Force Base Okinawa at the end of WWII. He returned to the states and attended LMU where he graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry. During college he met his future wife, Norma Walls, at a party and they were married in 1951. They made Kingsport, TN their home for well over 50 years. Charles was employed at Holston Defense and later at Tennessee Eastman until his retirement in 1991. He was a long time member of First Christian Church where he served as a deacon and elder. He loved gardening, hiking, family get-togethers, and most of all, going places. During his retirement years, Charles and his dear wife Norma were inseparable and made many "roundabouts" over the surrounding countryside. After her death in 2013, he enjoyed more "roundabouts" and travel vacations with his children. In 2014, Charlie moved to NHC Place Assisted Living in Farragut, TN to be near his daughter and her family. While in Farragut he joined Farragut Christian Church and was received with much love by a new church family. He also grew to love his new home and made many friends. Charlie is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Norma Kelly; son, Steven D. Kelly, parents and brother, Roy Kelly. He is survived by his three sons, Charles E. Kelly and wife Christa of Goose Creek, S.C., W. Michael Kelly and wife Julie of Plattsburgh, NY, and Tim C. Kelly and wife Laura of Pickney, MI; one daughter, Kimberly K. Wintenberg and husband Alan L. of Farragut, TN.; grandchildren, Daniel Kelly, Mark Kelly, Drew Kelly, Charlie Kelly, Tony Kelly, Dylan Kelly, Grayson Kelly, Molly Wintenberg, and Andrew Wintenberg; great grandchildren, Ian Kelly, Moira Kelly, Anna Kelly, Callum Kelly, and Maia Kelly; brothers, JM and George Kelly; sisters, Emily Rogers, Ruth Watson, and Shirley Whitstine. The family will receive friends from 12 PM to 2 PM on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home downtown, Kingsport. A funeral service will follow in the chapel with Minister Phip Sams officiating. Graveside services will be conducted following the funeral service at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Carter-Trent Funeral Home downtown, Kingsport is serving the Kelly family.