Charles Earl Ogle Jr., of Dandridge, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. He was 83 years old.

Charles Earl had a great love of community, exemplified through his many years of civic service and engagement.

He graduated from the Columbia Military Academy as a Second Lieutenant and served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Captain.

After leaving the military and graduating from the University of Tennessee, he devoted much of his energy to the betterment of his beloved home Gatlinburg.

He served many years on the city’s Industrial Development Board and the City Commission, including leadership terms as Mayor. He was also involved in the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce and was awarded its Zeno Wall, Jr. Tourism Award. He was particularly proud of his work in the city’s early beautification efforts.

He was active throughout both the city and Sevier County. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, where he served as Exalted Ruler. He was also a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Sevier, and he worked with other community leaders to help establish the Sevier County Campus of Walters State Community College.

As a boy, Charles Earl stood on a milk crate and bagged groceries in his family’s general store in the center of Gatlinburg. As a young man, he worked with his father to develop the Mountain Mall on the Site of that store. Since opening in 1980, it has been one of the most popular sites in the city.

After retiring, Charles Earl enjoyed leisurely drives around the city he loved. You may have seen him in his pickup truck with his big brown dog Keenan standing in the back.

Charles Earl was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 49 years Pat Ogle, his father Charles E. Ogle, Sr., his mother Elizabeth Agnew Ogle, and his extraordinary grandson Brian Charles Myers.

Charles Earl leaves behing a large and loving family, including his wife Patty Powell Ogle; his son Drew Ogle and partner Micah-Shane Brewer; his older daughter Keely Ogle and partner Jeff King; his youngest daughter Maggie B. Ogle and partner Scott Kozlowski; grandchildren Courtney Lineberger, Ellie Watts, and Logan Watts; great-grandchildren Rowan Piquette-Myers, Sage Wallace, and Josephine Myers; and sisters Mary Harriet Cox and Sandy McCown and husband Mark McCown.

Extended family and other special people in Charles Earl’s life include Denise Matney, Cody King, Carl Glenn, Addy Glenn, Layla Glenn, and Willow Anne Piquette Myers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Nashville Repertory Theatre, 161 Rains Ave, Nashville, TN, 37203 or online at nashvillerep.org.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.in Atchley Funeral Home’s Smoky Mountain Chapel, 220 Emert Street, Pigeon Forge, TN with Pastor John Thompson officiating. Immediately following the service family and friends will make their way into Atchley’s Smoky Mountain Memory Garden’s for graveside service and interment.

Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home.