Charles Arthur Gilbert

Charles A. Gilbert, age 45, of Unicoi, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 18, 2025. He is a son of the late Benny Marshall Gilbert and Jacqueline Brown Short. Charles lived most of his life in Elizabethton before moving to Unicoi nineteen years ago.

Charles was formerly employed at the tire plant in Unicoi. He attended Unicoi Freewill Baptist Church.

Charles enjoyed playing his guitar, singing, riding motorcycles and he was a gun enthusiast. His favorite music artists were Elvis and Geroge Jones.  He was a very patriotic citizen, and he loved the United States Military. Charles was very proud of his son who joined the military.

In addition to his parents Charles was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry L. Gilbert and half-sister, Debbie R. Gilbert; mother-in-law, Joan Tenney and father-in-law, Mahlon Tenney, Sr; brother-in-law, Nicolas Tenney.

Charles is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Coralee Tenney Gilbert of Unicoi; his son, Charles A. Gilbert, II (Katherine) who is currently stationed in Germany; one grandson, Nolan Dante Gilbert; brothers: Brad Gilbert, and Tim Gilbert (Lynsi Nave); sister, Tammy Miller; half-brothers: Johnny Gilbert and Fritz Gehringer; brothers-in-law: Mahlon “Mel” Tenney, Jr. and Romaine Tenney (Toni); nephews: Brett and Brent Miller, Luke Gilbert, Wesley Gilbert, and Jaxon Gilbert; nieces: Megan Pack, Amanda Hivly, Lily Love Gilbert; several other nieces and nephews also survive.

The Gilbert family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Unicoi Funeral Home. Charles’ funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Adam Howard and Reverend Nathan Jennings officiating. His committal will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday in the Evergreen Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend the committal should assemble at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m. on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, his wife, Coralee would greatly appreciate donations to be made in memory of Charles to help her with his funeral expenses.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Gilbert family at ww.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Gilbert family. (423) 743-1380

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