Charles Ryan Searcy

Charles Ryan Searcy, age 83 of Gallatin, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2021 at his home. Charles was born on July 23, 1938 to the late Harley Johnston Searcy and the late Dovie Mae Ryan Searcy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Glenn Daffron and brother, Jarrell Searcy. Charles is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce Searcy; sons, Charles Ryan Searcy, Jr. (Kim) and Christopher Searcy (Lillie); grandchildren, Ashley Callis (Jake), Kaleigh Brown (Geoff), Joshua Searcy (Kristen), Shelby Searcy, Jacob Searcy, Courtney Searcy, and Victoria Searcy; and great-grandchildren, Job Callis, Ava Sayar, Xander Sayar, and two more on the way. Charles spent almost 50 years in the newspaper business, starting as a reporter for the Oak Ridger in Oak Ridge, TN, the Chattanooga Times, numerous outdoor magazines and publications, and finally The Tennessean, where he retired from in 2006 after writing two outdoors columns a week for over 20 years. During his career he was a reporter, writer, photographer, and a sports and outdoors editor. He served as the lead writer for the Iroquois Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park and Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville each year. In 2019 he was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. Prior to his newspaper career, he attended East Tennessee State University and also worked as a scout at the University of Alabama under Coach Bear Bryant. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of Charles’ life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Hendersonville with Rev. Larry Gilmore and Rev. Bruce Raley officiating. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service from 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Men of Valor in care of First Baptist Church Hendersonville, 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd, Hendersonville, TN 37075. Arrangements Entrusted To: Sumner Funeral & Cremation, Gallatin (615)452-9059 www.sumnerfuneral.com