John Robert Charles
February 28, 1939 - September 22, 2022
John Robert Charles was born in Rogersville, TN on February 28, 1939. A professional artist for six decades, John refined his skills from New York City to Hollywood then settled in Northern California before returning to East Tennessee. He died at age 83 in Kingsport, TN of cardiac arrest on September 22, 2022.
John is survived by his daughter DonnaTina Charles, son Vincent, younger brother Edwin Barrett Charles (Barbara), step-sister Josie Ruth Starnes and step-sister-in-law Helen Weems along with many treasured family, cherished friends, admired classmates, esteemed colleagues, and dear neighbors.
John Charles was a friend of Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church for well over a decade. While a fall in 2019, and then the pandemic kept him at home in his last years he has stayed connected with us through YouTube and visitation. We grieve the loss of John Charles, and we also express deep gratitude for his children, DonnaTina and Vincent, who have done so much to care for him. We will miss John Charles' artistic spirit and his wry sense of humor.
Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 22 at 11 am at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park (Visitor Center, Gathering Room) in Elizabethton, TN. A potluck will follow at noon, and all are welcome to bring a dish to share (and a serving utensil)