Charles David Lockett

Colonel Charles David Lockett, of Knoxville, age 95, was born on June 27, 1916. He was a respected attorney, church and community leader. He was a charter member and elder of Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church. He was married to the love of his life, Helen Cole Lockett for 58 years. Lockett graduated from old Knoxville High School in 1934. He graduated from the UT College of Law in 1939 where he was shortly admitted to the practice of law the same year and celebrated 60 years in legal practice in 1999. He was a veteran of World War II, where he served 33 months overseas in England, Africa, Tunisia, Sicily and Italy (1940-1945) in the U.S. Army. He was promoted successively from Second Lieutenant to lieutenant Colonel. During the Korean crisis, when he served 14 months, he was promoted to Colonel. Among the medals he received are the Bronze Star Medal, European Theatre Ribbon with six battle stars and the Korean Service Medal. He retired as an Infantry Colonel (AUS), with 30 years regular and reserve service (Tennessee National Guard). As a committed and life- long democrat he was a member of the Democratic Party since 1936 and was an invaluable source for advice and counsel. He had a long and distinguished career in local, state, and national political arenas. He was past President of the Knox County Young Democrats Club, managed three successful campaigns for Governor including his life-long friend Frank G. Clement, was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1960 and managed the Knox County campaign for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket. Charles Lockett made immeasurable contributions to Knoxville through his far-reaching civic pursuits, serving many organizations for over 50 years. These included life-long memberships and leadership roles with The United Way, The American Red Cross, Knox County Arthritis Foundation, Helen Ross McNabb, East Tennessee Foundation, Downtown Sertoma Club, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner and member of 244 Masters Lodge, F&AM; American Legion, Commander, Military Order of World Wars, Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities and numerous other boards and committees. He was honored for his work by the American Red Cross with the Clara Barton Award and received the Outstanding Community Service Award in 1971. He served as a member of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee from 1958 to 1971 and was a most dedicated and loyal UT Volunteer fan. Charles Lockett was a natural born leader, a man who made a difference in the lives of everyone he knew. He worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Knox County and all of Tennessee through his active memberships in civic, church and professional organizations. He loved his family and was devoted to their care above all else. Preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lockett, his wife Helen, two daughters Ellen Kay Lockett and Lucy Lockett Johnson, brothers Thomas, James, J.C., Robert, Albert; sisters, Dorothy Francis, Mary Elkins, Betty Lockett and cousin Josephine Vance Floyd. He is survived by his granddaughter Jennifer Bennett and grandson Robert Bryan Johnson Jr. , many loved nieces , nephews and relatives, beloved friend Pat Klein and many other special friends including his friends and caregivers at The Ben Atchley State Veterans Home, Brakebill Nursing Home and Outlook Pointe. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee Ave., Knoxville, TN 37919. Interment service will be 1:30 pm Thursday at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike with Military Honors provided. There will then be a memorial service Thursday afternoon at 3:00 pm at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian with Dr. L. Holton Siegling, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the Barron Hall. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com

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Charles David Lockett

June 27, 1916 - November 6, 2011