Charles Alva Teems, Jr.
December 11, 1960 — August 27, 2024
Charles Alva Teems, Jr., known to most by his nickname Chris, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his home in Helena, AL on August 27, 2024.
A celebration of life service will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Assembly of God in Pleasant Grove, AL, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11.a.m., and service starting at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Hickman Cemetery in McCalla, AL. Pastor John White and Pastor Geno Brown will be officiating.
Chris was born December 11th, 1960, to Charles and Estelle Teems. He grew up in the tight knit community of Raimund Heights in Bessemer, AL. Growing up, he made lasting memories playing all types of sports with his neighborhood friends and was known to be a great athlete.
In 1980, Chris married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Charlene Carroll. He went to work for a local HVAC company before starting his own business, Teems Heating & Cooling, in 1994. He also worked at US Steel for 25 years before retiring in 2017. Chris was known to his family and friends as a “Jack of all Trades” who was ready and willing to help anyone who needed him.
After retirement, Chris spent his time dedicated to his wife of 44 years, his children, grandchildren, mother, and large extended family that he held so close to his heart. He loved Alabama Football, fishing, and playing cards with his family, whom he patiently taught how to play his favorite game, Shanghai Rummy. Chris was unbeatable at cards, but his children, and nieces and nephews had fun trying to beat him through the years. He also loved watching cowboy movies and was very involved with every aspect of his children and grandchildren’s lives.
In recent years, Chris rededicated his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was his heart’s desire for his family and friends to make sure their heart was right with the Lord. Growing up, he attended Raimund Heights Baptist Church, but in the last several years has been a media church member of Family Worship Center, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Charles Alva Teems and mother-in-law, Nancy Carroll.
He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene Carroll Teems, his daughter, Carmen Brinks (William), his son, Robert Coy Teems (CJ), his Mother, Estelle Teems, his sister, Lecretia Curren (Kenny), his grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Tucker Brinks, Charlsie Brinks, Aria Teems and Rhett Teems, special cousin who was more like a brother George “Bossman” Watkins (Bethany), his brother-in-law Jimmy Carroll (Tammy), sister-in-law Karen Selman (Mike), Vivian Crumpton (Timmy), Jody Williams (Eddie), and a large host of extended family who loved Chris dearly.
Chris was known for his unwavering selflessness and compassion for others. He never met a stranger and made lifelong friends wherever he went. He leaves behind so many cherished memories and there are no words to express his influence on those who loved him.
In honoring Chris, let us hold dear his precious family during this time whom he loved so dearly and remember the impact he brought into our lives. His last wish was for all of his family to make it to Heaven. Chris has ran his race. After a hard but short fight with cancer, his faith has now been made sight as he stands in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. May his legacy be a source of strength and his renewed love of the Lord a source of comfort.
There’s an old saying that the truest measure of a man is how tall he stands in the eyes of his family. Chris was a true testament to this saying, and he will be deeply missed by his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the City of Hope, Newnan, Georgia, in honor of Chris’ valiant fight against cancer.
A celebration of life service will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Assembly of God in Pleasant Grove, AL, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11.a.m., and service starting at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Hickman Cemetery in McCalla, AL. Pastor John White and Pastor Geno Brown will be officiating.
Chris was born December 11th, 1960, to Charles and Estelle Teems. He grew up in the tight knit community of Raimund Heights in Bessemer, AL. Growing up, he made lasting memories playing all types of sports with his neighborhood friends and was known to be a great athlete.
In 1980, Chris married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Charlene Carroll. He went to work for a local HVAC company before starting his own business, Teems Heating & Cooling, in 1994. He also worked at US Steel for 25 years before retiring in 2017. Chris was known to his family and friends as a “Jack of all Trades” who was ready and willing to help anyone who needed him.
After retirement, Chris spent his time dedicated to his wife of 44 years, his children, grandchildren, mother, and large extended family that he held so close to his heart. He loved Alabama Football, fishing, and playing cards with his family, whom he patiently taught how to play his favorite game, Shanghai Rummy. Chris was unbeatable at cards, but his children, and nieces and nephews had fun trying to beat him through the years. He also loved watching cowboy movies and was very involved with every aspect of his children and grandchildren’s lives.
In recent years, Chris rededicated his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was his heart’s desire for his family and friends to make sure their heart was right with the Lord. Growing up, he attended Raimund Heights Baptist Church, but in the last several years has been a media church member of Family Worship Center, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Charles Alva Teems and mother-in-law, Nancy Carroll.
He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene Carroll Teems, his daughter, Carmen Brinks (William), his son, Robert Coy Teems (CJ), his Mother, Estelle Teems, his sister, Lecretia Curren (Kenny), his grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Tucker Brinks, Charlsie Brinks, Aria Teems and Rhett Teems, special cousin who was more like a brother George “Bossman” Watkins (Bethany), his brother-in-law Jimmy Carroll (Tammy), sister-in-law Karen Selman (Mike), Vivian Crumpton (Timmy), Jody Williams (Eddie), and a large host of extended family who loved Chris dearly.
Chris was known for his unwavering selflessness and compassion for others. He never met a stranger and made lifelong friends wherever he went. He leaves behind so many cherished memories and there are no words to express his influence on those who loved him.
In honoring Chris, let us hold dear his precious family during this time whom he loved so dearly and remember the impact he brought into our lives. His last wish was for all of his family to make it to Heaven. Chris has ran his race. After a hard but short fight with cancer, his faith has now been made sight as he stands in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. May his legacy be a source of strength and his renewed love of the Lord a source of comfort.
There’s an old saying that the truest measure of a man is how tall he stands in the eyes of his family. Chris was a true testament to this saying, and he will be deeply missed by his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the City of Hope, Newnan, Georgia, in honor of Chris’ valiant fight against cancer.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Alva Teems, Jr., please visit our flower store.