Charles Nabors

Master aviator, LTC Charles “Chuck” Nabors, completed his ultimate flight plan to heaven on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Surrounded by his children, Charles soared high above the clouds and peacefully slipped the surly bonds of earth where neither lark nor eagle has flown and touched the face of God. Reunited with his true love, his parents, brother and many other Saints, Christmas with his Savior was, without a doubt, the greatest gift of the season.

Born to Harvey and Lura Nabors on September 26, 1941 in Bradenton, Florida, Charles lived a wonderful life and became a beacon of light to the world. His adventurous spirit, incredible sense of humor and love of the Lord brought joy and redemption to countless people. Charles never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a hand whether he knew you or not. His generosity was known near and far, and in his 82 years on this earth, he gave much more than he received. In fact, his children often called him the George Bailey of Cookeville for he was truly the richest man in town, not because of what he had but what he gave.

Charles was an accomplished pilot and commanding officer in the Tennessee Army National Guard for more than 40 years, a successful businessman who owned Chuck’s Shop Rite grocery store in Algood for 12 years and a general contractor who built the dream homes of many in the Cookeville area. After retiring from the Guard, he became an EMS pilot for UT Medical Center and for Erlanger Hospital where he saved dozens of lives and won three Star of Life Awards.

Charles had a hard time sitting still and often ran on adrenaline. He loved fast cars, motorcycles, airplanes, boats and anything else with a motor. He enjoyed a good challenge and lived his life with purpose and intention while still focusing much of his attention on his beautiful wife, Barbara, as she fought a 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis. Charles became the ultimate caregiver, researching her needs and sparing no expense to provide the support she needed to live comfortably at home. He even built an ADA compliant home of her dreams, going above and beyond to ensure her happiness in the final years of her life.

Charles, also known as Daddy, Papaw, Colonel, Chuck and Charlie, was preceded in death by his adoring wife of 59 years, Barbara Nabors, his mother and father Harvey and Lura Nabors and his brother Terry Nabors. He is survived by his spouse, Loretta Nabors, his children – Chuck Nabors (PJ) of Maryville, Karen Stone (Dennis) of Nashville and grandchildren – Connor Stone (Paige), Rachel Stone and April Joy Nabors, and his four-month-old great grandson, Waylon Stone, brother James Nabors of Cookeville and numerous relatives in Tennessee, Florida and Arizona.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all who supported Charles throughout his eight-year battle with Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis. The family is deeply grateful to the Alive and Upper Cumberland Hospice teams for their incredible care throughout the past year. Special thanks for his beloved caregiver, Beckey Gordon, for her steadfast love and attention in the final months and to Laura Thrower who volunteered her time to support Charles in Nashville during his final weeks of his journey to Heaven.

A celebration of life is planned for 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 27 at Crest Lawn Funeral Home in Cookeville, 800 Jackson Street. The family will host a visitation at Crest Lawn prior to the service from 11:00-2:00. Burial will be at Judd Cemetery on Holladay Road in Cookeville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Charles’ honor to the Vanderbilt’s Lung Institute where Charles contributed to clinical trials to help others suffering from Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis. You may contribute by clicking on this secure link: https://give.vanderbilthealth.org/fundraiser/5148177

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  931-268-1550