Cover photo for Charles Wayne Gattis "Papaw Charlie"'s Obituary
Charles Wayne Gattis "Papaw Charlie" Profile Photo
1936 Charles 2025

Charles Wayne Gattis "Papaw Charlie"

January 4, 1936 — June 3, 2025

Charles Wayne Gattis was born on January 4, 1936 in Hardin County, Tennessee, the son of the late Joseph Sylvester "Judge" and Ethel M. Brown Gattis.

Charles spent his early years farming before joining the United States Navy in December of 1955. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1961, he returned to Hardin County and met the love of his life, Loudean Tidwell. Loudean preceded her husband in death on June 22, 1996.

Charles was one of a kind. Anyone who knew him, knew he loved to socialize and never met a stranger. He loved junking and met many people over the years and loved for people to come to his "junkyard". He loved gardening and being outside on his old Ford tractor. In his mid 60s, Charles began riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He said he liked being a part of the "Heaven's Angels" until his health no longer allowed him to ride. He also enjoyed old cars, especially his 1946 Dodge pickup truck.

The most important things in Charles' life were God and his family. He always put God first in his life and strived to instill that same value in others. He would witness to anyone and often told others, they "better know the Lord". Charles would take any opportunity to brag on his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Being their "Papaw Charlie" was one of his greatest achievements in his life. Even simple phones calls with his great grandchildren were precious moments to him. Charles' best friend was his son, Gary. The two of them shared a bond like no other and loved to spend time together.

Although the "Patriarch" of the Gattis family is no longer with us, Charles will never be forgotten and will be dearly missed.

Charles Wayne Gattis departed this life on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 89 years, 4 months, and 30 days.

He is survived by his son, Gary Gattis and his wife Lori; grandchildren, Lindsey Surratt and her husband Chris, Cole Gattis and his wife Lindsay, Brad Gattis, and Dylan Gattis and his wife Annie; bonus grandchildren, Callianne Cummings and her husband Tyler, Halle Grace Livingston and her husband Jacob, and Elijah Paulk; and great grandchildren, Tucker Surratt, Tayte Surratt, Grayson Gattis, Case Gattis, Eden Cummings, Poppy Grace Livingston, and Pierce Livingston.

In addition to his wife and parents, Charles was preceded in death by his sons, Christopher Allen "Pork Chop" Gattis and Jeffrey Charles Gattis; sisters, Ruth Loraine Gattis, Alta Mae Gattis Bryson, Millie Pauline Gattis Linville, Kathryn Faye "Kitty" Gattis Phillips, and Patricia Ann Gattis Hill; and brothers, William Sherrill Gattis, Sr., James Harry Gattis, Carl Ray Gattis, and Billie Gene Gattis.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Wayne Gattis "Papaw Charlie", please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Today's Services

Visitation

Thursday, June 5, 2025

5:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)

Shackelford Funeral Directors - Savannah

450 Church Street, Savannah, TN 38372

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Friday, June 6, 2025

9:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Shackelford Funeral Directors - Savannah

450 Church Street, Savannah, TN 38372

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Friday, June 6, 2025

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Shackelford Funeral Directors - Savannah

450 Church Street, Savannah, TN 38372

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Friday, June 6, 2025

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