Charles H. Van Tilburg II

Charles Henry Van Tilburg II --- was born July 17, 1940 in Columbus, Ohio to Charles Henry Van Tilburg Sr. and Emma Lou Smith Van Tilburg. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1959 to serve his country and remained on active duty until 1967, and Chuck continued to serve as a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1989. In 1963 while stationed at the Millington Naval Base, Chuck met his wife, Dianne Murrell Pleasant, who he married in 1964. They were married more than 47 years, and from their union two children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild were born. Throughout their marriage both Chuck and Dianne worked hard to build a life and home together. Chuck was always a very busy and hard-working man. He worked in his shop building furniture and cabinets, and with the help of his wife built their entire home from foundation to finish. He did this building while still working full-time at his regular job. During his working career, he worked in quality control and plant engineering for Firestone, Tire and Rubber and Cooper Industry. He was a member of Brunswick Baptist Church and Bellevue Baptist Church where he served faithful for many years. He leaves his wife, Dianne, of Bartlett, one son, Charles III, of Clifton, TN, one granddaughter, Amber (Josh) Brewer of Martin, TN, one grandson, Charles IV of Memphis, TN, one great grandson Wyatt Brewer of Martin, TN, and he also leaves his mother-in-law Murrell Pleasant of Bartlett, TN. He also leaves two sisters: Mary Katherine Van Tilburg of Westerville, OH and Emma Lou Norland of Arlington, VA. Chuck was a true inspiration to all those that came into contact with him. Even though he had been sick for such a long time, he always had a smile on his face and a song on his lips. The family would like to say a special thank you to the dedicated nurses and doctors with Methodist Hospice. Also, special family friends, Jeff and Nichole Goodman, were so very faithful and steadfast to the very end. Without the faithfulness of a special sister and the help of dear family friends, Jim and Monette Tompkins, Rick and Casey Combs, and Billy Ferguson, taking care of Chuck during his last weeks of life would have been impossible. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Pollard Chapel at Bellevue Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.