Charles Douglas "Doug" Rule, 65 of Etowah, TN passed away Saturday, January 7, 2017. He was a native and life-long resident of Etowah and attended McMinn Central High School and Cleveland State Community College; a veteran of the USA Army Reserves. For most of his adult life he owned and operated his family's 3rd generation Rule's Furniture Store on Tennessee Ave., Etowah. He then worked as a railroad engineer at CSX before retiring and a member of North Etowah Baptist Church.

Doug was mostly known by the community from his years running Rule's Furniture, but his sons and so many of their friends knew him as Coach. He coached dozens of basketball and baseball teams through the years and left a lasting impression on countless youths.

Preceded in death by his father, Charles "Charlie" Rule; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Azel and Lucille Torbett; sister-in-law, and brother-in-law, Malvin and Brenda Young.

Left to cherish his memory his wife of 45 years, Charlotte Rule of Etowah; 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Lee and Lisa Rule of Etowah, Dusty and Shannon Rule of Etowah, Josh and Lacey Rule of Etowah; 6 grandchildren, Lindsey, Sydney, Ethan, Carlee, Lincoln and Cove Rule; mother, Ruth "Jean" Rule of Etowah; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Caye Stafford and Vern, Carol and Dan Lambert; 3 sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sandy and Joe Mason, Yolanda and Doyle Cain, Jan and Johnny Hawn; 1 brother-in-law, Scott Torbett and Danielle; several nieces and nephews; and his best fur buddy, Izzy.

Funeral service will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2017 in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Wade officiating. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble Friday, January 13, 2017 at Green Hill Cemetery for the 2:00 p.m. committal service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to www.thejoeberettafoundation.com Foundation for LVAD patient housing.