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With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Charles L. Moffatt III, a loving husband and father and cherished member of the Gallatin community, who departed this life on April 15, 2026, at the age of 101. Born on December 2, 1924, in Waynesboro, Tennessee, the eldest of four children, Charles lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to others. He graduated from Science Hill High School in Johnson City in 1943 and soon after entered the United States Navy, where he served in the Pacific during World War II from 1943 to 1946, attaining the rank of Quartermaster Second Class. Following his military service, he attended Erskine College (B.A.), Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the University of Edinburgh (PhD in Theology).
In 1953, Charles married Sara Harris Moffatt, and together they built a loving family, raising two children, Charles and Anne. In 1961, they moved to Gallatin, where he served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church for 29 years, retiring in 1990. Throughout his ministry, he touched countless lives with his leadership, compassion, and unwavering faith. His commitment to service extended well beyond the pulpit—he was an active member of the Gallatin Rotary Club for over 50 years, achieving an extraordinary 31 years of perfect attendance. After retirement, he continued serving his community as a member and eventual Chairman of the Sumner County School Board and, alongside his close friend Dr. Hal Hooper, helped establish the first hospice program in Sumner County, serving as chaplain for many years. He took great pride in his Scottish heritage and was an active member of the Clan Moffatt Society, where he honorably served a term as President.
Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sara Harris Moffatt; his parents, Charles and Thelma Moffatt; and his siblings, Lawrence Moffatt and Patricia Winn. He is survived by his son, Charles L. Moffatt, IV (Connie); his daughter, Anne Moffatt Kuhn (Jeff); his brother, Dr. Robert Moffatt; his grandchildren, Scott Moffatt (Amy), Eric Moffatt (Heather German), Paul Moffatt Kuhn, and Sara Moffatt Tilley (Nathan); and his great-grandchildren, Hudson Moffatt, Trevor Moffatt, and Collette Moffatt.
Visitation with the family will be Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home as well as Friday, April 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church Gallatin. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church Gallatin. Pallbearers will be Scott Moffatt, Eric Moffatt, Paul Kuhn, Bill Baber, Richard Kelly, Stewart Kelly, Mike Jones, and Rick Murphy. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Kuhn, David and Eileen Crawford, Kenneth Thomson, Betty Reynolds, and Elders & Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church Gallatin. Interment will immediately follow at Gallatin City Cemetery.
Dr. Moffatt will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to serving others, great storytelling, and deep love for family and friends. He often credited his longevity to a healthy lifestyle, strong relationships and the Providence of God. His family encourages those who knew him to carry Dr. Moffatt’s legacy forward through acts of compassion and love toward others. The family would like to thank everyone for their encouragement and support, especially the staff of Charter Senior Living, for their extraordinary kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to First Presbyterian Church Gallatin (via link or send to 167 W Main St, Gallatin, TN 37066) or the Gallatin Noon Rotary Foundation (via link or send to P.O. Box 182, Gallatin, TN 37066) in Dr. Moffatt's memory.Anderson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Dr. Moffatt and his family at this time.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Anderson Funeral Home
Friday, April 24, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
First Presbyterian Church of Gallatin
Visits: 1156
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