Charlie Castle

2025 Servant's Heart Award Winner

Charlie Castle was a beloved figure at Bristol Regional Medical Center who logged more than 24,000 volunteer hours over 35-plus years. He passed away in January of 2025 at age 93, and was awarded the Servant’s Heart Award posthumously.

Charlie could be found greeting patients, visitors and team members at the front entrance; stocking the linen closet; or walking the halls of the hospital with his hospitality snack cart, smiling and chatting with everyone and offering comfort and cheer to those who needed it. Guests routinely commented about their interactions with Charlie and how nice it was to share a few moments with him.

He began volunteering after his own personal experience at the old Bristol Memorial Hospital. As one of the first open-heart surgery patients in the region, he became committed to comforting other patients and their families at the same hospital that took such great care of him. His journey to impact the daily lives of others began shortly after his recovery.

Charlie always made his rounds. Even at his advanced age, and despite dealing with the COVID pandemic, illness, mobility challenges and bad weather, he continued to volunteer. During the pandemic, when volunteer services were suspended, he called weekly to ask when he could return to his post, and he was among the first volunteers to return.

He earned the Tennessee Hospital Association volunteer meritorious service award in 2010 and also served as president of Bristol Regional’s auxiliary and the council of volunteers.

One great example of his humility and determination to serve was when he experienced a fall and fractured his hip, which required hospitalization. While there at Bristol Regional, he expressed a desire to go out and visit with those in the waiting areas he usually served. (He was discouraged from doing so, per medical protocols!) Asked why he was so determined to get back to volunteering, he said, “I’m sure there are people hurting worse than me.”

Charlie Castle genuinely wanted to help make others happy. His kind heart shone through to everyone he encountered. Charlie is greatly missed at Bristol Regional Medical Center.