BRISTOL, Tenn. – Charlie Castle has experienced much success – a 63-year marriage to his beloved wife Peggy, rearing three wonderful daughters, the blessing of two grandchildren and a 46-year career in insurance.
But to patients, visitors and team members of Bristol Regional Medical Center, Charlie has made his mark brightening their days. The hospital volunteer’s cheerful demeanor and delightful sense of humor is a ray of sunshine inside Bristol Regional, whether he’s pushing someone’s wheelchair, visiting a patient’s room, folding towels or manning the volunteer desk.
Castle, who began serving 28 years ago at Bristol Memorial Hospital, recently achieved 20,000 volunteer hours and was honored during Bristol Regional’s annual auxiliary meeting. His total is actually much higher, but his hours were not calculated prior to Bristol Regional opening in 1994. Castle’s hours continue to grow, and he has no plans to hang up his burgundy jacket and leave the hospital any time soon.
“Charlie’s positive and caring attitude creates an ideal atmosphere for everyone who relies on us to improve their lives,” said Greg Neal, president of Bristol Regional and Ballad Health’s Northeast Market. “A hospital visit can make people nervous but Charlie quickly puts them at ease. If you’re having a tough day, his kindness and compassion is the best cure.”
Now 86, Castle volunteers Mondays and Fridays but is often there other days, including many holidays. He’s so dedicated that a few years ago when he suffered a heart attack, he called from the intensive care unit to say he would not be able to pull his shift.
Volunteer services manager Becky Blevins, who has worked with Castle for more than a decade, vividly remembers that day. She is impressed with his commitment and said Castle’s approach to volunteering represents a core element of Ballad Health.
“Charlie listens carefully to everyone he encounters and sets out to take care of their needs,” she said. “We have watched him repeatedly go the extra mile to help. It’s inspiring. He is an excellent example of how caring can profoundly affect others. Team members, patients and visitors who Charlie helps have great affection for him. We are so grateful he shares his time with us.”
The story of Castle’s involvement began with his own experience as a Bristol Memorial patient in 1990, when he underwent successful open-heart surgery and joined the Happy Hearts support group. He then felt a calling to visit patients scheduled to have the same operation and share his own post-surgery success.
Four years later, he continued helping when Bristol Regional opened and a broader avenue of service was available. The hospital became his second home, and patients, visitors, team members and physicians have greatly benefited.
Castle has stayed busy walking the halls of Bristol Regional and connecting with patients and visitors. He jokes that he has walked the equivalent of two round trips to Cuba during his volunteer years.
“Serving as a volunteer has been a lot of fun, and it’s been my privilege to help people for the last 28 years,” he said. “The Lord has been generous to me, and donating some of my time makes me feel good because I am giving back to the community. I encourage anyone to consider serving one of our hospitals as a volunteer because it definitely helps our patients.”
In addition to recognition for serving 20,000 hours, Castle earned the Tennessee Hospital Association volunteer meritorious service award in 2010. He’s also served as president of Bristol Regional’s auxiliary and the council of volunteers, which is part of the THA.
But Castle is quick to share credit with the other volunteers at Bristol Regional, who also devote a lot of hours, and he praises the administration and physicians for their service.
Reflecting on his duties, Castle said he and fellow volunteers have an important role to play in helping others.
“I have been fortunate to be blessed with a good personality, and that comes in handy as a volunteer,” he said. “When people come to the hospital, they are looking for someone to put a smile on their face because it makes them feel better. It’s wonderful to have that opportunity to impact people’s lives in such a meaningful way.”
