Charles William Cupp, Major, USAF (Retired), lived a full life enriched by close personal relationships and lasting contributions. Born in Maryville, Tennessee, to the late Henry “Jr” and Bobbie (Burgess) Cupp, he excelled in both athletics and academics at Eagleton Elementary, Eagleton Jr High, and Alcoa High School. In his youth at Eagleton Little League, he was recognized for pitching several no-hitters.
Music also came naturally to Charles, bringing him much joy. Beginning as a teenager, he organized a “garage band” in his parents’ basement that uniquely connected friends and neighbors. He continued playing in popular bands as a talented electric bass guitar and organ musician for decades, including the night he met his future wife, Rebecca, in 1977.
After graduating from the electrical engineering program at the University of Tennessee in 1972, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force through ROTC. He also attended graduate school at the University of Oklahoma. Throughout his life, Charles strongly encouraged higher education, especially for his children. “Nobody can take away your soul or education.”
During his 20-year military career, he served in a variety of aerospace assignments, including design of geosynchronous satellites supporting Cold War nuclear deterrence, also notably Operation Tinderbox, which involved live nuclear testing in Nevada.
Following retirement from the Air Force, Charles became a licensed investment broker while also devoting considerable time to homeschooling his sons. Charles always carried a joyous sense of humor with an animated laugh. His mastered interests included biblical and prophecy studies, music, painting, golf, poodle dogs, economics, science, physics and mathematics. One of his favorite scripture verses: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3. In 2008, Charles suffered a severe stroke resulting from a rare form of blood cancer linked to military radiation and toxin exposures; he faced the illness with quiet determination and battled the condition for over 18 years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years; his four accomplished sons: Owen, Jared, Myles, and Austin; and seven grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy. Also surviving are two sisters, Nancy Whittemore and Susan Rudd; nieces, Lexie Whittemore, and Chesney Wheeler.
Family and friends are invited to both the Burial service with full military honors at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN, at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as well as a Celebration-of-Life at Broadway Baptist Church, 2329 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804, on November 10, 2026, from 5:00-7:00pm, where a time of reflection will be followed by food and fellowship.
Those wishing to honor Charles may make a donation to Broadway Baptist Church (http://bbcmaryville.org) or Birdies-for-the-Brave (https://www.birdiesforthebrave.org).
