Charles William Brumley was born around 1921. He was the son of Mattie Margaret James. His mother was widowed in 1930 and they lived at the home of his grandfather William James on Euclid Avenue in Knoxville, TN. She married James Harvey Underwood in 1936. Shorly after, when he was seven years old, he entered the John Tarleton Institute.
Charles was a student and boarder at the Knox County Industrial School during his childhood
He served on the U.S.S. Walke (416)
Memorialized at Manila American Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Philippines
Mother: Mrs. Mattie Underwood, 620 Lilac Avenue, Knoxville

The Knoxville News-Sentinel, December 12, 1942
Students of John Tarleton Institute, Middelbrook Pike, will find the big American Flag on the campus at half mast when they line up for Sunday School tomorrow. Word has just been received of the death in action of the first John Tarleton boy in the present war. Seaman Charles Brumley, 21, was killed while serving in an unidentified area, according to the message to his mother, Mrs. Mattie Brumley, of 620 Lilac Avenue. Young Brumley entered the Institute when 7 years of age and was there several years. “He had a fine school record,” said Supt E.C. Simm today. The young man volunteered Feb. 7, 1940.

  • Rank: Radioman Third Class
  • Date of death: 15 November 1942
  • County: Knox
  • Hometown: Knoxville
  • Service Branch: Navy
  • Division/Assignment: USS Walke (416)
  • Theater: Pacific
  • Conflict: World War II
  • Awards: Purple Heart
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar XIV, Bottom Panel
  • Contact us to sponsor Charles W. Brumley

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