Mural Frank Castleberry

Frank Castleberry, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Mountain Home VA hospital with his family by his side. Frank was born in Brewton, Alabama, to the late Mural Herbert and Beatrice Barnes Castleberry.

He was a Civil Engineering graduate of Auburn University, where he met the love of his life, Cherie. At Auburn, Frank was in the ROTC program and upon graduation became a pilot after flight training. He was in the Military Air Transport Command {MATS) which became the Military Airlift Command {MAC]. He was stationed in Charleston, Turkey, and McCord Airforce Base in Tacoma, Washington, flying into Vietnam during the Vietnam war. The different airplanes he flew were the "Connie" the C-130 and the C-141 (Starlifter). He became a flight instructor in the latter part of his career. After 10 years, he retired as a Captain.

After the Air Force, he worked in the civil engineering field with Law Engineering and Testing Company in Charlotte, North Carolina for 8 years. Frank then ventured on to open his own company, Foundation Systems Engineering, P.C. in Kingsport and Knoxville in partnership with Construction Materials Laboratory.

In his free time, Frank enjoyed golfing and was a member of Ridgefields Country Club in Kingsport. He was a proud "War Eagle" where he and Cherie cheered on Auburn during every sports season.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his siblings, Ann Knych, Maggie Hale, and Philip Castleberry. Those left to cherish Frank's memory are his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Cherie Castleberry; daughter, Cindy Leigh Castleberry-Estes (Randy); sons, David Castleberry (Vilayvone), and Andy Castleberry (Jocelyn); grandchildren, Alexander Castleberry, Shane Castleberry, Brooke Castleberry, Zachary Castleberry, and Cristen Castleberry; sisters-in-law, Nina Swanson, Coril La Johnson (James); and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 2:00-3:00pm, with the service to follow from 3:00-4:00pm at Carter -Trent funeral home in Kingsport with Tim Hall officiating.

On Monday, September 14, 2026, the military burial will take place at 2:00 pm at Mountain Home National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Please arrive at 1:45 pm promptly.

The family would like to extend thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain Home VA Healthcare System.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest supporting Disabled American Veterans. 

Carter -Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Castleberry family.