In Loving Memory of Dad, Charles Lynn Vial

Dad passed away on August 10, 2026, in Maryville, Tennessee, just days after celebrating his 85th birthday on July 30. Born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Dad lived 85 beautiful years, leaving behind a lifetime of love, memories, and a family who will forever be grateful that he was ours.

To say Dad was an amazing father doesn’t even begin to describe what he meant to me. He was an incredible dad to me and my sister Karen, but he was also our best friend, our safe place, our biggest supporter, and someone we could always count on. His love for his family was endless and unconditional.

Dad was an amazing uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved being surrounded by his family and treasured every moment he could spend with us. Family was everything to him. It didn’t matter what we were doing—being together was what mattered. Those ordinary moments that we sometimes took for granted are now the memories we will hold closest to our hearts.

Dad dedicated his career to the National Park Service serving as Superintendent before retiring. He was proud of the work he did, but his greatest accomplishment was the family and love he built throughout his life.

And then there was Rebecca, the love of his life. Dad lost his beloved spouse, Rebecca, last year, and we know how deeply he missed her. He was her superhero, and she was such an important part of his heart. It brings me comfort to imagine them together again now—side by side, just as they were meant to be. Their love didn’t end; it simply continued beyond this life.

Dad, I don’t know how we are supposed to say goodbye to you.

You were supposed to always be here.

You were supposed to keep being our dad, our grandfather, our great-grandfather, and our best friend. We weren’t ready for a world without you in it.

There are so many things we wish we could say, so many memories we wish we could relive, and so many more moments we wish we could have shared. But most of all, we wish we could have one more hug, one more conversation, one more laugh, and just one more day with you.

Thank you, Dad, for every sacrifice you made, every lesson you taught us, every memory you gave us, and every bit of love you poured into our family.

Your love will live on in your daughters, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known you.

You may no longer be here for us to hold your hand, hear your voice, or give you a hug, but you will always be with us—in our hearts, in our memories, and in the love you gave us.

I hope you are up there with Rebecca now. I hope she ran into your arms and that you are both together again, exactly where you belong.

I love you more than words can ever say, Dad.

I miss you already.

You will forever be dad, our hero, and our best friend.

Until we meet again. ❤️

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

Karen L Lassiter