Charles Haines

Charles Tep Haines IV passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025, at his residence.

Preceded in death by wife of 66 years, Eleanor A. Haines; parents, Charles and Esther Haines III; sister, Sara A. Haines; and granddaughter, Samantha Hatfield.

He is survived by children, Christi Hatfield, Patrick (Diana) Haines, Jeffrey Haines, Kimberly (Matt) Huddleston, Kelly Daniel, and Holly Haines; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Charles, who was known as Chuck to most everyone, was born in Denver, Colorado, and lived his life in the state of Colorado through his college years, attending the University of Colorado and on through his service at the United States Air Force Academy in Boulder.

Before the age of twelve, Chuck began playing music, forming a jazz band as a drummer and landing impromptu gigs for dances, a success that soon led to more bookings. He also took up the trumpet, performing with the Denver Symphony at fourteen, and later went on to play with the United States Air Force Academy Band. One of his fond memories was hiking trails in the Colorado mountains with a fellow bandmate, where the two would practice their horn playing.

Chuck met his future wife, Eleanor, at the University of Colorado. Known to most as "Chuckie," a childhood nickname earned for her infectious laughter, she and Chuck married in 1958 in her hometown of Lafayette, Indiana, forever becoming "Chuck and Chuckie."

After Chuck finished his active duty with the United States Air Force Academy, he and Chuckie moved to Miami, Florida, with their first two children in tow. It was during their nine years in Florida that their remaining children were born, bringing a total of six altogether. In Florida, Chuck and his family lived a full life of boating, deep sea fishing, bowling leagues, jai alai, and golf, and were huge fans of the Miami Dolphins. Chuck continued his career in music, adding engineering, arranging music, and writing scores for television and film productions. Chuck and Chuckie were known for throwing hip parties and established a core group of friends that they stayed in close contact with for the remaining years of their lives.

In the early 1970s, when Chuck's music career required frequent trips to Nashville, Tennessee, he and Chuckie moved the family to a house on twenty-eight acres in Mt. Juliet, just outside of Gladeville. Continuing his career as a recording engineer and producer in the era that many referred to as the "Golden Years" in Nashville, Chuck went to work with LSI Studios located on Music Row. While at LSI, Chuck frequently worked with Ed Bruce, recording and producing the original Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys in 1975, which was written and co-produced by Ed and his wife, Patsy.

In the mid to late 1970s, Chuck went to work with Tom T. Hall at the infamous Toy Box Studio where artists such as Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Willie Nelson, Roy Clark, Prince, and Johnny Cash once recorded.

When Tom T. Hall retired from studio life, Chuck leased Toy Box from Tom T., and later purchased the studio, along with other partners, becoming Chelsea Recording Studio. Chuck worked with producers such as Patty Parker and producer/piano player Tony Migliore, drummer Jerry Kroon, and Billy Strange. Tony and Chuck, along with Jerry and Billy, went on to become lifelong friends, working together at Chelsea on many projects, including the music of Tom T. Hall himself, Nancy Sinatra, Janie Fricke, Glen Campbell, Don Ho, Julia Rich, Don McLean, Mickey Gilley, Shania Twain, the Gatlin Brothers, Duane Eddy, Lee Hazlewood, Carl Perkins, Sonny Curtis, Chet Atkins, Nanci Griffith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mel Tillis, Billy Strange, and Lucille Starr, to name a few.

During their time working together and through their friendships, Chuck, Tony, and Jerry played golf together, along with Chuck's oldest son, Patrick, and coined their signature annual tournament as "The Chelsea Open."

"I've had a few close friends over the years, but none were as much a brother to me as Chuck. Sometimes a mentor, sometimes a conscience, sometimes stubborn, but always willing to listen-IF you were making sense. He was the best, most honest business partner anyone could ever have. A really good golfer, too-so much better than me and the guys we played with-except for his son, Patrick, of course." – Tony Migliore

At home, Chuck and Chuckie and their six children immersed themselves in their new life of country living, learning their hand at exploring acres of woods, plowing and planting gardens, and taking care of cattle. From an early age their children were exposed to all genres of music with regular dancing in the living room, going to concerts such as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil Diamond, and the Jackson Five, to name a few, and frequented Centennial Park's live music series.

Also during the mid-1970s, Chuck played an integral role in establishing the Mt. Juliet softball league for girls and coached for years after, which included three of his daughters as players. Chuck also had a lifetime interest in playing golf, cooking, reading, deep sea fishing, and was a dedicated fan of the Tennessee Titans.

After losing his wife of 66 years in August of 2024, Chuck spent his time taking care of the house, cooking, and keeping up with his six children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. Chuck also continued caring for the backyard birds, which was a passion he and Chuckie shared and instilled in all of their children. He continued his love of reading and, over the past year, read a total of 100 books. In the days before his passing, he spent time with family and celebrated an early birthday. The memories of Chuck's life will forever be a blessing to all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in the name of Nicholas Haines, in honor of his loving care for his grandparents, Chuck and Chuckie, during their elder years in life, and to support new beginnings for Nicholas and his wife, Amy, and their upcoming baby. Contributions can be made payable to Nicholas Haines and mailed to 132 Castle Heights Avenue, Lebanon, TN 37087.

The family will gather for a Celebration of Life in October. For further details you may email klhhuddleston@gmail.com.

Partlow Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. 615-444-7007 • www.partlowchapel.com