CHARLES (CHARLIE) PRESTON ANDREWS

Charles Preston (Charlie) Andrews, age 81, of Athens, went home to be with his Savior early Friday morning, September 28, 2018, at his residence.

Born in Providence, RI, and raised in Foster and Scituate, RI, he had been a resident of Athens since 1984.  Charlie was a son of the late Arthur P. Andrews and Gertrude M. Ide Andrews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Madeline Andrews Derois and a brother, Robert Allen Andrews.

Charlie was a veteran of the US Army, serving as a medic. After retirement from Midland Ross, he owned and operated Andrews Mowing Service for 28 years. In service to the Lord, he and his wife made missionary trips to Russia, Japan, and Romania.  Charlie was an avid and lifelong Red Sox fan, and a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church in Athens for 34 years. Charlie greatly enjoyed his friends at Hardees downtown before his illness.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lois A. Szymanski Andrews, of Athens

Five daughters;

Brenda Lee Andrews Shepherd and husband Bill of Esmond, RI

Debbie Ann Andrews Mercadante and husband Tony of Fitchburg, MA

Carleen Marie Reese of Cleveland, TN

Karen Marie Andrews of Foster, RI

Heidi Marie Andrews Anderson and husband Todd of Westminster, MA

Two sons,

Michael Charles Andrews of Philadelphia, PA

Major David Charles Andrews, Sr., and wife Mary of Fort Sill, OK

Twelve grandchildren,

Kristen Shepherd, Lindsey Shepherd, William Shepherd Jr., Nicky Mercadante, CeCe Mercadante, Michael Anderson, Matthew Anderson, David Charles Andrews II, Elizabeth Andrews, Kimberly Booker and husband, Chris, Stephanie Hughes and husband, John, and Tiffany Doros

Four great grandchildren

Tabius Doros, Aiden Hughes, Kelsey Standerfer and Lucas Shepherd

Two sisters,

Margaret Ellen Andrews, and Pauline Gail West and husband Mike

Two brothers,

Arthur Preston Andrews and George Leon Andrews

Funeral services will be 7:00 pm Monday, October 01, 2018, at Fairview Baptist Church with Pastor Jack Scallions and Pastor Matt Herrell officiating.  Burial will be 11:00 am Tuesday in McMinn Memory Gardens with military honors.

Serving as pallbearers will be Phil Tuggle, Mike West, Dan Davis, Gary Moore, Trevor Wilson and Tim Vermaas.

The family will receive friends Monday, October 01, 2018, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Fairview Christian Academy, 261 CR 439, Athens, TN  37303.

A Memorial Service for Charlie will be held at a later date in New England.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, please sign the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Charles Preston (Charlie) Andrews