Eugene C. Christenbury, 89, of Cleveland, TN, passed away Tuesday, August, 13, 2013 at a local hospital.
He was the son of the late Cleveland and Minnie Christenbury.
He was a native of North Carolina and an ordained bishop in the Church of God. He served the Church as a minister and educator since 1946. He was a charter member of Westmore Church of God and a retired professor emeritus at Lee University.
His academic degrees included a B.A. in sociology and psychology from George Peabody College, an M.A. in educational administration and guidance from George Peabody College, an M.A. in religious studies from the Church of God Theological Seminary, an Ed. D. in administration and counseling from Burton College and an Ed. D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Tennessee. Additional graduate work was done by Dr. Christenbury at Davidson College, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and the University of Tennessee School of Social Work. His seminary training was received at Vanderbilt University School of Religion, Central Baptist Seminary, Northern Baptist Seminary, Tennessee Temple Baptist seminary, and the Church of God Theological Seminary.
The ministerial experience of Dr. Christenbury included serving the Church of God as an evangelist, pastor, state youth director, Christian education director, administrator, and educator. In 1960 he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Church of God Home for Children in Sevierville. In this role he was responsible for organizing and implementing the Department of Social Services in 1963. This made it possible for the Home to be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare for adoptive and foster home services.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II.
Dr. Christenbury is survived by his wife of 66 years, Benita M. (Farris) Christenbury; one son, Steve Christenbury and wife, Piper; one daughter, Brenda Pace and husband, Richard all of Cleveland; three grandchildren, Gregory Pace and Joseph Pace of Murfreesboro and Jenifer Christenbury of Cleveland; and four great-grandchildren, Jolie Pace, Noah Pace, Harper Pace and Jonah Pace all of Murfreesboro.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Friday, August 16, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Pastor Wendell Smith officiating. A family graveside service will be held on Monday, August 19, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 3:45 p.m. Friday, August 16 at the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home who has charge of the arrangements.