Charles Thomas (Tom) Spangler

After a courageous battle with cancer, Tom is now resting with his heavenly Savior and his earthly mother and father. Tom was saved as a 14-year-old and remained a man of strong faith throughout his journey. He was born at Langley AFB in Virginia to John and Evelyn Spangler in 1958. John’s career in the Air Force required the family to move frequently with stints in Virginia, Florida and Texas, but they returned home to Tennessee in 1971.

Tom grew up in the Carter community, graduating from Carter High School in 1976. He followed his dad’s footsteps by enlisting in the United States Air Force and was based at Eglin AFB. In 1980 he returned home and began working at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer. His tenure at KCSO encompassed nearly every rank, title or role including being an integral part of founding the Aviation Unit. He was a fixed wing/helicopter pilot and graduated the FBI National Academy.

His accolades abound, but his legacy was built on his humility and integrity. Tom carried a high position but, in his humility, he never let it go to his head or his heart. His integrity was lived out in his desire to “Always do the RIGHT thing”. In 2018, “Spanky” (as he was affectionately coined) was elected as Knox County Sheriff, and then he was elected for a second term in 2022. He served 2 terms as Sheriff totaling 37 years of faithful service to Knox County. He also served at Blount County Sheriff’s Office as the Chief Deputy of Training for 4 years.

On October 5th, 2026, he and his soulmate Linda would have celebrated 30 years of marriage. Tom was also a wonderful father and a proud “pawpaw”. He was an avid fisherman, challenging himself to fish at a professional level, and he enjoyed golfing.

Tom leaves behind Linda, his doting wife of almost 30 years; his daughters Mellony (Shaun) Kent and Mallory (Drinnon) Womble; grandchildren: Cassidy, Kelsey, Macey, Avery, and Andy; siblings: Bruce (Phyllis) Spangler, Patty Spangler, Bobby (Miranda) Spangler, Susan (Matt) Carver, and Kristie Spangler (fiancé Allen Faircloth); along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the care provided by UT Home Health and UT Hospice. Tennessee Cancer Specialists and Covenant Gastroenterology allowed us invaluable time with Tom and we will forever sing their praises.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Clear Springs Baptist Church 7350 Tazewell Pike Corryton, TN 37721 with a funeral service to follow, Dr. Bruce Spangler and Pastor Justin Pratt officiating. Family and friends will meet 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel 2000 Powell Drive Powell, TN 37849 to leave in procession to East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery,2200 E. Gov John Sevier Highway, for a 2:00pm graveside service with full military Honors provided by the Knox County Sheriff's office Honor Guard.  Pallbearers: Jacob Stinnett, John Spangler, Brady Spangler, Shendan Spangler, Jordan Spangler, Danny Spangler, Nathan Stansberry, Aaron Wyckoff and Brent Wyckoff.  Honorary Pallbearers will be KCSO Aviation Unit.  In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made to UT Hospice Foundation or Blue Line TN, Inc. care of Knoxville Law Enforcement Credit Union.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com

Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Charles Thomas (Tom) Spangler.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com