Carl Christian

Mr. Carl Christian, age 94, Piney Flats, passed away on March 9, 2016, at Lakebridge Healthcare Center after a lengthy illness. He was the last surviving child of the late Bart Christian and Maude Bailey Christian. In addition to his parents, Mr. Christian was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years and love of his life, Audrey (Ginger) Christian; one daughter, Kristy Christian; and eleven siblings. Those left to cherish his memory are: one son, Carl L. Christian and his wife Judy; two daughters, Candy Linville and Sandi Rhodes and her husband Frank; four grandchildren, Tami Cummins, Matthew Christian, Leslie Barnes and Christian Linville; eight great grandchildren, Christian, Austin and Luke Cummins, Haiden and Lauren Christian, Morgan Linville, Lawson Barnes and Nathanael Linville-Rodriquez; one great-great grandchild, Jadeian Linville Scott; and dear friend, Debbie Henline. In the days of his youth, Mr. Christian helped his father operate a 400-acre farm in Johnson City. They raised many different crops and plowed and cultivated with horse teams. They raised all food for home consumption and cut wood for home fuel. For many years, Mr. Christian was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and more recently was a member of Boones Creek Baptist Church. He was a godly man and shared his faith at every opportunity. Nothing was more important to him than his walk with the Lord. His children, grandchildren and many others will remember the example he set in the way he lived his life. Mr. Christian was retired from Holston Defense after 25 years. He enjoyed spending time with is family, and in earlier years he especially enjoyed attending his children?s and grandchildren?s sporting events. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir, and before his health failed, he loved working his garden and tending his animals, especially riding horses. Mr. Christian was a true patriot and proudly served his country during WWII. He served in active combat in Bismark Archipelago, New Guinea, South Philippines and Luzon. He was an antiaircraft machine gunner and received two marksmanship commendations. He also received a Good Conduct Medal, an Asian Pacific Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Service Stars, The Bronze Arrowhead and a WWII Victory Ribbon. While serving in New Guinea, he was wounded by a grenade and was awarded a Purple Heart. When asked about his time in the war, Mr. Christian always said, ?I would gladly do it again in order to keep America a free country.' He also liked to tease his children and tell them they were little monkeys that he brought back from the Philippines. Daddy, we love you and will always miss you. We will find comfort in knowing you are with the Lord, your suffering has ended and you, Mother and Kristy are together again. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff at Lakebridge Healthcare. The family of Mr. Carl Christian will receive friends from 12 to 2 PM Sunday, March 13, 2016, in the Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 PM with Evangelist Charles ?Toonie' Cash officiating. The graveside committal service will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The Boone Dam Post # 4933 will accord military honors.