Charles Eugene Walker entered Heaven on Saturday, September 22, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 83. Charles was the son of Doyle and Opal Walker. He was born on April 17, 1941, in Strong City, Oklahoma. Charles trusted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 12. He graduated from Cooperton High School in Cooperton, OK, in 1959, and attended Southwestern State College in Weatherford, OK, graduating in 1963 with a BS in Science Education. In 1967 he earned the Master of Teaching from Southwestern State College in Weatherford. He received his Professional Certificate in Administration in 1973 at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK.  He also received three honorary doctor degrees: (1) Doctor of Laws (1981) at Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida; (2) Doctor of Divinity (1986) at Midwestern Baptist College in Pontiac, Michigan; and (3) Doctor of Humane Letters (2009) from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolia.

Charles met his future wife, Tonia Mae Briggs, in high school at a basketball game. He married Tonia Mae, the love of his life, on January 20, 1962. He served as a classroom teacher, principal, and superintendent in several public schools in southwestern Oklahoma for 12 years. In 1975 he accepted God's call to become the principal at Trinity Christian School in Chattanooga, TN. During his years at Trinity (1975–1978), he became the executive director of the Tennessee Association of Christian Schools (TACS) in 1977. Charles served at TACS for 41 years from 1977-2017. During his time at TACS, he served as the education director of the American Association of Christian (AACS) for 20 years and the executive director of AACS for 6 years. He was the editor of the Journal for Christian Educators for 25 years and the president of Take Tenn Publications for 25 years. Charles was also the chairperson of the Advisory Council for Tennessee Nonpublic Schools for 19 years. He authored many staff development and school improvement manuals, educational articles, and numerous Parent Updates. Charles is the co-editor of the book A 21st Century Perspective of the Seven Laws of Teaching, author of eight Training Teachers Online courses, and co-author of Study Right, a biblically integrated study skills curriculum for grades 4–12. Among his many interests, he enjoyed reading, lawn care and gardening, helping others, and spending time with family.

Charles has always been an active member of the churches that he has attended, serving in such capacities as deacon, usher, and Sunday school teacher. He is a member of Savannah Bay Baptist Church in Ooltewah, TN. His focus in life was always to give Christ the preeminence "in all things" (Colossians 1:18). His favorite Bible verses were Proverbs 3:5–6 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Tonia Mae of 62 years and his devoted children – Brian Walker (Kristy), Cindy Ball (Jim), and Tony Walker (Darla), all from Chattanooga, TN; sisters —Irene Tyler (Jack) of Lawton, OK; Joyce McFarland (Donald) from Yukon, OK; Faye Glass from Plano, Texas. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle, parents (Doyle and Opal Walker, Lawton, OK), mother and father-in-law, Tony and Trula Mae Briggs (Sedan, OK), sister Charlene Fink (Mustang, OK), and brother-in-law Donald McFarland (Yukon, OK).

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Tom McQuirt officiating. Interment will follow the service at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.  Family will receive friends from 11:00 am until time of service Wednesday at the church.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.