Longtime educator, friend and Coach Charles Goss died on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the age of 68.  

An avid lover of history, Charles retired from his teaching career at East Ridge Middle School.  His love of athletics and people assisted him in teaching football, wrestling and track.  Charles was a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame and the East Ridge High School Athletic Hall of Fame.  He served for over 45 years as a wrestling official in the Chattanooga area and was the first state wrestling champion for his alma mater, East Ridge High School.  He attended Ridgedale Baptist Church.

Throughout his life, Charles was a compassionate and tender hearted man.  He didn’t meet a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.  On more than one occasion his home became a home for a student who was troubled or had nowhere else to go.  The Gossmobile became a mode of transportation for hundreds of athletes needing a ride after practice, tournament or a game.  His gruff exterior was matched by his loving heart.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Charles Goss and first wife, Patricia Pack Goss.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Carol Helton Goss, Ringgold; one son, Jonathan (Cassidy) Goss, Chattanooga; brother, Lynn (Sherry) Goss, Ringgold; sister, Mary (Clayton) Sisk, Ringgold; grandson, Gavyn, Chattanooga; nephews Brian (Stacy) Sisk, Ringgold, Ryan (Treasure) Coulter, Chattanooga, Zach Goss, Chattanooga, Alex Goss, Nashville and special friends and neighbors Hardin, Pam and Emily Satterfield, Ringgold.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Ridgedale Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Owens officiating.  Burial will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.  Pallbearers will be Brian Sisk, Ryan Coulter, Zach Goss, Alex Goss, Brad Jackson, Danny Gilbert, Mike Parker and Brian Satterfield.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and area coaches and referees.

The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. on Monday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge.

Memorial contribution may be made to the East Ridge High School Wrestling Team, 4320 Bennett Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412, or to a charity of your choice.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.