Charles Adkins

Jr.Lt. Charles Conoly Adkins Jr., USN (Ret), 68, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away at his home in Port Orange, Fla., on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013.Mr. Adkins was born and raised in Chattanooga to the late Charles Sr. and Nelda Ruth (Cooper) on Dec. 29, 1944.He graduated and was a head cheerleader at Central High School Class of 62. He later received an engineering degree at Vanderbilt University followed by two master degrees. He retired as a U.S. Navy officer after 20 plus years. He later worked for RCA, the State of Florida, Heinz Co. and the Space Center before retiring again. He was a member of the VFW, DAV and the Shrine.He is survived by his mother; brother, Gary (Anita), of Daytona Beach; son, John Charles (Heather) and granddaughter, Paige, of Jacksonville. Also aunt Mary Cooper Kimsey, of Indianapolis and Uncle Judge Robert (Catherine) Cooper, of Signal Mountain ; plus nephews, Gary Adkins II and Adam Adkins; and niece, Amy Adkins Miller (Jason LTC) and their children, Amber, Sarah and James, of Fort Campbell, Tenn.; along with many cousins and dear friends.Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at the funeral home.Graveside services will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.