Charles L. Gillenwater

Charles L. Gillenwater – Gate City, VA

Charles L. Gillenwater, 89, formerly of Fort Blackmore, VA passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Kingsport, TN.

Charles was born in Fort Blackmore, VA on June 1, 1935, and was the son of the late Wise Wesley “Jake” and Monnie Edna (Lane) Gillenwater.

In addition to his parents, his brothers, Edward Gillenwater and wife, Iris, Virgil Gillenwater, and infant brother, Robert Gillenwater, sisters, Bobbie Jean Gillenwater, Mary Ann and husband, Lonnie Gray, and infant sister, Rosa Mae Gillenwater preceded him in death.

Charles is survived by the mother of his children, Eula Salling, daughters Dinah Hicks, Rhonda (David) Hood, Tammy (Jody) Newland, Christie Gillenwater, Tonya (John Willard) Gillenwater, sons Ray Gillenwater, Chad (Chris) Gillenwater, granddaughters, Tara (Bill) Kerr, Mandy (Michael) Penz, Tasha (Justin) Kennedy, Heather Butler, Miranda (Jordan) Jennings, Taylor Clark, Ashlynn Newland, Emily Willard, Caitlin Bledsoe, Kassie Willard, grandsons, Jason (Jennifer) Gillenwater, Brad (Meagen) Hood, Michael (Stephanie) Hood, Bryson Gillenwater, 24 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, brothers Howard (Nell) Gillenwater, Tommy Ray (Jan) Gillenwater, Gerald (Deliliah) Gillenwater, sisters Shirley (Coy) Butler, Juanita (K.P.) Pierson, sister-in-law Maria Gillenwater, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Monday, September 16, 2024, at Gate City Funeral Home in Gate City, VA. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m., with Rev. Marvin Egan and Rev. David Hood officiating. Music will be provided by James McConnell and the Hood family.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Brickey Cemetery, Ft. Blackmore, VA. 

Brad Hood, Michael Hood, Michael Penz, Jacob Beasley, Jason Butler, Wes Egan, Jody Newland, and Ronnie Hood will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Bryson Gillenwater, Jason Gillenwater, Bryon Beasley, Howard Gillenwater, Gerald Gillenwater, Tommy Ray Gillenwater, and Coy Butler.

Family and friends are asked to meet at Gate City Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday to go in procession to the graveside service.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Kayla and the Hospice team on W-3 at Holston Valley for the compassionate care provided to Charles. Additionally, they wish to express a special thank you to David Hood for his unwavering support.

An online guest register is available for the Gillenwater family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Charles L. Gillenwater.