James "Denny" Dennis Charles

James Dennis (Denny) Charles, 80, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, peacefully surrounded by his family.

He was a member of West End Baptist Church for his entire life being a deacon, training union director, Sunday school teacher, vacation Bible school director, and bus driver. He worked as a machinist/mechanic for 40+ years until he retired. He was an avid sport fan especially all things pertaining to Tennessee Vols. He loved fishing and camping with friends and family.

He was the son of the late Clifford and Burnella (Sis) Daugherty Charles. Preceded in death by sisters Wanda Barnes, Betty Lunsford, Mary Ellen Wilson, and Kaye Wattenbarger. Brothers Jo Charles, Kenneth Charles, and Donny Charles. Son-in-law Thomas Hill, great grandson Braeden Bates.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years Jerry Allman Charles. Three daughters and sons-in-law Tonya and Terry Hester, Denise and Randy Hill, Misty and Jason Carter, all of Athens. Honorary children Lisa (Tommy) Satterfield and Carla (Tony) Burns. Eight grandchildren Monica Miller, Jade Hill, Travis (Cassidy) Hill, Miranda Miller, Jacob Hill, Wesley (Jessica) Hill, Jackson Carter and Russell Carter. Great grandchildren Jocelyn Miller, Daelynn Miller, Bailey Bates, Jazzelle Miller, Jayla Miller, Tidus Hill, Easton Musnicki, Elijah Hill, Hensley Hill, Lochlan Hill, Malakhai Straughn, and Owen Hill. Sisters Estelene Deakin and Peggy Smith. Several nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Many beloved church family.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Ziegler Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at West End Baptist Church at 12:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026, with Reverend Dennis Wiseman and Reverend Herman Jordan officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM at McMinn Memory Gardens.

Steven Bryan, Aaron Duncan, Wesley Hill, Travis Hill, Jackson Carter, and Russell Carter will serve as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Tony Burns, Chris Smith, Elijah Hill, Easton Musnicki, Lochlan Hill, Tidus Hill, and Owen Hill.

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

Ziegler Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Dennis (Denny) Charles.