Carl Cleveland Christian, age 75 of Cedar Bluff, Virginia passed away Saturday, November 19, 2011 following a lengthy illness.

He was born March 22, 1936 in Nokesville, Virginia and was the son of the late Elijah George Grant and Jennie Elizabeth Linkous Christian. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. Carl married his true love, Shirley on April 19, 1957 in Tazewell, Virginia. He was a certified welder for Mid-West Roll Forming in Whites Town, Indiana for 30 years before retiring.

Carl grew up in Virginia and moved to Indiana as a young husband and father. He and Shirley settled in Indiana and raised four sons, but Virginia remained "Home" to Carl and after his retirement Carl and Shirley moved back to Virginia and maintained a home in both states. They traveled back and forth for many years, in order to be with the friends and family they grew up with and with the family they created and raised there in Indiana.

Carl enjoyed being in the outdoors and going hunting and fishing with his sons. He took great pleasure from tending his flower and growing his tomatoes. He loved to play cards and watch football, especially the Indiana Colts. His greatest talent was making friends, he could strike up a conversation with any stranger and leave as buddies. Once his friend, you were a friend forever and you knew you were more than a friend because of the his great love he shared with both his friends and family. A good story always made him smile and he loved to share stories with you in return. Countless children family and non family all called him Grandpa Carl.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers James and Kermit Christian a sister Margaret Baber and a daughter-in-law, Virginia "Sis" Christian. Those who survive him are: His loving wife of 54 years, Shirley Sue Christian of Cedar Bluff, VA

Sons:

Michael "Butch" Christian and wife Trish of Plainfield, IN

Carl Dwayne Christian and wife Shelly of Plainfield, IN

Phillip Christian and wife Laura of Plainfield, IN

David Christian and wife Julie of Mooresville, IN

Brother, Fred Christian and wife Minnie of Bandy, VA

Brother-in-laws:

Gene Harrison and wife Paula of Cedar Bluff, VA

Alan Honaker of Virginia

Siser-in-laws:

Juanita and Eddie Jessee of Abingdon, VA

Betty and Jeff Cordle of Claypool Hill, VA

Grandchildren:

Pam Porter, Stevie, Josh, Kiley, Emily, Melissa, Cameron, Elijah, Joey, Michael, Johnny and Alex Christian

Two great-grandchildren also survive him, Izaiah and Camden Christian, along with several nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services for Carl Christian will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Max Linkous, Brother Barry Jessee and Shane Cruey officiating. Interment will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Virginia. Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons with Walton Honaker, Luis Mejia and Nick Romero. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jacob Harrison, Keith Harrison, Timmy Christian and Alex Christian.

Friends may call from 6 – 9 pm on Monday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia.

Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.