Charles Manis

Charles Edward Manis, Jr was born on July 30, 1942. His parents were Ruby Opal Bell and Charles Edward Manis Sr. As a teenager, Charlie worked with his father as an electrician’s apprentice at Oak Ridge Laboratories. He met his future wife Nancy on a high school drama trip. They would be happily married at the age of 18 until death did them part. Charlie never stopped doting on Nancy for the next 63 years. Though he was a young man in the 1960s - a time of revolution, experimentation, and shenaniganry - Charlie kept his head down while attending the university of Tennessee, Knoxville. Their first child, Christina, was born during his time at UT. After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Art degree in Business Administration, he applied his degree in the field of manufacturing, where he would spend the next 30 years in various management roles. At age 27, his son Charles Manis III (Chip) was born. A year later, their second son David was born. Charlie was a dedicated father and family man. He loved spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids whenever possible - often traveling to fun and adventurous locations. His love of travel would be an underlying theme throughout his life. He and his wife toured Europe, from Russia to Spain, for the first time in their early 20s and would return several times throughout their life. He also loved the Caribbean and the warm Island breezes, crystal clear waters, and laid-back vibes it offered. His adoration of the Caribbean led him to study and earn his boat Captains license, ultimately captaining, large passenger yachts in open seas on a few different occasions. He really enjoyed touring the BVI’s with his friends and family at his own leisure. He was an active member of Rotary as well as a man who donated his time and money to multiple local and national charities. Charlie never met a stranger. He had a unique way of making everyone around him feel comfortable, respected, and valued – regardless of age, gender, race, or socio-economic status. He had a love for life that he shared with everyone he met. Charlie and his wife loved anything and everything social, and cherished friendship as much as family. His patience with those around him was endless. Charlie was preceded in death by his son Chip and wife Nancy. He leaves behind a son, David (Jodi), daughter Christina, and two grandchildren Jason & Piper. We are sure that whatever sunny shore he might be lounging on, he is happy to be with his son, wife, and long-time friends that preceded him.

Visitation for Charlie will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at Hendersonville Funeral Home (353 E. Main St. Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075). The funeral service for Charlie will start at 12:00 noon at the same location with burial to follow in Hendersonville Memory Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.