Eddy David Carden of Knoxville - born February 19, 1936 - passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of July 11, 2025.

Eddy was born in Clinton, TN to Robert and Odelite Carden. He grew up attending First Baptist Church of Clinton. He often spent his free time with his brother-like uncle Terry Webber. The two were inseparable - culminated by Terry serving as Eddy's best man some years later.  It was also the era that he developed his love of the outdoors - particularly Norris Lake and the Clinch River.

Eddy attended Clinton High School, where he enjoyed playing in the band. It was during this time that his joy of music blossomed - a love that continued into college and lasted a lifetime.

Mr. Carden spent his Freshman year at UT - Chattanooga. While there he and several friends formed a band that played sorority, fraternity and country club dances. He finished his final three years at UT- Knoxville, studying Business and playing in The Pride of the Southland marching and concert bands. He was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi. It was also the time that he met future wife (Cecilia). A blind/double date at the Oak Ridge Theater signaled the beginning of a relationship that lasted some 67 years.

After college Eddy joined the Air Force. Following Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, he went on to serve 6 years in the Air Force Reserves. While in the reserves he sold his beloved first boat to purchase an engagement ring for Cecilia. They were married on a stormy July day at South Clinton Baptist Church - settling initially in an apartment on East Fifth Avenue. A short time after, he and Cecilia joined Wallace Memorial Baptist Church of Knoxville.

Mr. Carden began his retail career with Miller's Department Stores. His talent for art and design quickly earned him accolades for window displays, even garnering him a magazine cover. He gravitated later to merchandise buying . This role enabled him to travel - Atlanta, New York and California - as well as Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and England. He finished his career in store management and floor sales for Hess's West Town Mall and Sears East Towne Mall.

After retirement he could often be found camping, trout fishing the Clinch River, or hiking. He also loved trips to the Myrtle Beach area. When not doing those activities, Eddy was an avid reader - anything from mysteries to spy novels to National Geographic magazines. He also loved watching old westerns. And of course he kept up faithfully with his Tennessee Volunteers. As his grandchildren aged, he could be seen at soccer or football fields, music performances, band competitions, basketball gyms - and eventually graduations and weddings.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother (Nellie Lou Webber), grandfather (Bert Webber Sr), mother (Odelite Carden), and father (Robert Owen Carden). He is survived by his wife of 64 years (Cecilia Carden), daughter Kimberly Waggoner of Clinton (husband Ken), son Mark Carden of Knoxville (wife Carol), daughter Debbie Glenn of Cartersville, GA (husband Matt). Also survived by grandchildren Sydney Davis of Vietnam (husband Travis), Molly Waggoner of Knoxville, Tanner Carden of Powell (wife Madison), Emma Glenn of Acworth, GA (fiancée Milad Jabbari), and Olivia Glenn of Cartersville, GA. Eddy was blessed to experience the births of great granddaughters Mikah Davis of Vietnam and Miller Carden of Powell.

The family also wishes to express its gratitude to Melanie Campbell of Visiting Angels. Her help over the last year enabled Eddy to reside at home until his passing.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the graveside beginning at 10:00 AM Friday, July 18 – service to follow at 11:00AM.  Woodhaven Memorial Gardens – 160 Edgemoor Rd, Powell,TN 37849.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Carden requests donations be directed to St Jude's Children's Hospital of Memphis. https://stjude.org.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Holleygamble.com.