Charles E. Atchley

Mr. Charles E. Atchley of Hazel Green, Alabama went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning while surrounded by his loving family. He was 83.

Mr. Atchley was one of six boys born to J.P. and Gladys Atchley, and from an early age he learned the value of hard work while helping raise a family on the farm. He later went to work at Huntsville Manufacturing, the cotton mill in southwest Huntsville, where he met the love of his life. After several attempts to win her over, she finally agreed to let him drive her home from work, and within a few short weeks, they were married—beginning a lifetime of love and devotion.

Together, they built a strong and faithful home and raised three children, creating a legacy rooted in love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment. Mr. Atchley served as a pastor for more than 20 years and remained devoted to serving the Lord until his final breath. He was also a faithful part of Huntsville Holiness Church. He believed deeply in humility, in working hard for both God and family, and he lived those values daily.

He led by example, teaching his children to be strong, hardworking individuals and guiding them in building their own families. That same example extended to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who continued to benefit from his steady influence and loving presence. He found great joy in talking about his family and never tired of sharing how it had grown over the years.

Mr. Atchley and his beloved wife opened their home not only to their own children, but also to every friend those children brought along. He lovingly referred to them as his “adopted children,” offering kindness, guidance, and a fatherly presence to all who entered his home. This spirit of love and inclusion continued through the generations, and his family—children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren alike—have always felt a deep sense of pride and joy in saying, “He is my Dad… he is my Papa.”

He leaves behind more than 80 years of life well lived—years that now serve as a roadmap for his family to follow, filled with love, joy, and faithful service to the Lord. His legacy is not only in what he built, but in how he lived. He would want those he loved to remember his simple guiding principle for life: to love thy neighbor as thyself, trusting that God’s favor will follow as we walk through this life.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 56 years, Dorothy Atchley, who passed away in 2017; his parents, J.P. and Gladys Atchley; his grandson, Miles Jeffery Talley; his brother, Billy Mac Atchley; his sisters, Rean Atchley and Jean Atchley; and his sisters-in-law, Emma Sue Atchley, Esther Atchley, and Barbara Atchley.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Chris aka "Chocolate Milk") Eldridge and Regina (Chris aka "Buttermilk") King; his son, Jeff Atchley; his grandchildren, Dustin (Jen) Atchley, Matthew Talley, Jacob Atchley, Caleb (Jayna) Talley, Austin (Brittney) King, Ashleigh (Jesse) Atchley, Chris Jr. (Joan) Eldridge, and Erica (Kwesi) Drake; and his great-grandchildren, Abby Atchley, Shyann Talley, Annabelle Holland, Brooks Atchley, Madilynn Talley, Chicoma Drake, Landree Atchley, Avery Talley, Mack-Edward Talley, Kai Drake, Hudson King, Joy Eldridge, Jaya Eldridge, and RaeLynn Atchley. He is also survived by his brothers, G.W. Atchley, Bobby Atchley, Jerry (Linda) Atchley, and Paul (Nancy) Atchley, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Hazel Green Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Brother Royce Estes, Brother Dustin Atchley, and Brother Jesse Atchley officiating. The family will begin receiving friends on Sunday at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in Elkwood Cemetery.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.