Mr. Charles “Charlie” Clayton Hough, age 78, of Telford, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
He was born on April 2, 1948, to the late William Milton Hough and Helen Jeanne Wirick, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandsons, DJ Burnett and Dillon Cirillo; and his son-in-law, Paul Kinsley.
Charlie was a devoted Christian whose faith was at the center of his life. He lived his faith not only through his words, but through the way he treated others and the way he lived each day. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and was a passionate member of the Gideons, a ministry that was especially meaningful to him.
He never met a stranger. Charlie had a genuine warmth about him that made people feel welcome, and his huge, unforgettable laugh could fill a room. He was a pleasant and joyful man who embraced life as it came. He lived in the moment, appreciating the people around him and the experiences each day brought.
There was never any question about how Charlie felt. His emotions were written all over his face, and he was never afraid to let others see his joy, his compassion, or his excitement. He had a wonderful ability to be fully present; to listen, to laugh, to experience, and to appreciate the moment he was in.
Charlie loved to travel and treasured the experiences that came with seeing new places and making memories.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Charlie and his wife, Alice, made their way to Tennessee, where they moved and made their home in 2005. Tennessee became the place where they built a life together.
Charlie will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his generous spirit, his infectious laugh, and his ability to make everyone he encountered feel like a friend.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Alice Hough; children, Clarice McCann (Brian), Susan McLaughlin (DJ), Hillary Zwolinski (Michael), and Shane Orcutt (Jerrica Diamond); grandchildren, Daniel McLaughlin, Corinne Cirillo, Carson Poindexter (Chris), Brayden McLaughlin (Miranda), Kaene McLaughlin, Emily Zwolinski, and Landon Zwolinski; great-grandchildren, Michael McLaughlin and Ayden McLaughlin; sister, Lea Marshall.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Mr. Martin McCool, Mr. John Thomas, and Dr. Mark Harrod officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, prior to the service.
Alice and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Denise shared with me. I will be forever grateful for the short season of ministry that I got to share with Charlie. His passion to pray with me every Sunday morning before worship will be something that I carry with me. The world was a better place because Charlie lived in it. Praying for God’s comfort to be with you right now.
09/26/2026
Michael Presley
I got to know Charlie through his work with Gideons. We became friends and one day he called me and asked me to lunch to talk about the Gideons ministry. I had been thinking about joining prior to his call but the Lord used Charlie to get me involved. I truly enjoyed our conversations about our Lord and Savior and am so happy to know that Charlie and his big smile and infectious laugh are now in Heaven. Thank you Charlie for your faith in proclaiming His love and story!
09/26/2026
Tom Strouss
Sorry to hear of Charle's(Rusty) passing. We spent a lot of time growing up together and I know he will be missed. My condolences to his family and Lea.
09/26/2026
Jessica Storie Manning
I’m so sorry for your loss Alice. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
09/25/2026
Linda Osborne
Alice: You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you and your family.
09/24/2026
Betsy Geagley
Alice, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers, love you
09/24/2026
Joyce Bowers
There are no words that I can bring you back to use though we all wish there was your warmth love and joy you brought to everything and everyone will never leave our hearts your loving niece ?❤️