Charles Bethel

Charles Bethel, 73, of Chattanooga, passed from this life on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. He was born in Fort Myers, Fla., to the late Vincent Bethel Sr. and Elnora Richardson Bethel and was also preceded in death by his sister, Janice Cobb-Hennix (Randy). Charles spent most of his adult life in Atlanta, and moved to Chattanooga in November 2012. A 1972 graduate of Tennessee State University, he worked as a research assistant at the CDC in Atlanta, retired from his work with the IRS and spent most of his career as a science teacher in the Atlanta City Schools. To those fortunate enough to know Charles, his generous nature and kind spirit knew no limits. His passions were his love of God, family, cooking and exchanging ideas. A devoted husband to his wife, Patricia Shearry Bethel and a loving father to Stephanie Erin Bethel, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Also surviving are his brothers, Robert (Vera) Bethel, Hempstead, N.Y., Eric (Viola) Bethel, Atlanta, Vincent (Dorothy) Bethel Jr., Fayetteville, Ga.; his sisters, JoAnne Bozman, Margie (William) Shines, all of East Point, Ga., and Yvonne (Rush) Wyatt, Newnan, Ga.; his wifes siblings, Abbie (Lester) Malone, Opelika, Ala., and Larry (Charlotte) Shearry, Birmingham, Ala.; and well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the funeral home chapel with Brother Rush Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org. Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.