Born in Sinks Grove, West Virginia, Christie received a Bachelor of Business degree from Dunsmore Business College (now closed) in 1924 and a Bachelor of Laws from Cumberland University's law school (now the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University) in 1928.

He was divorce commissioner for the Circuit Court of McDowell County, West Virginia.

[1] Christie was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 15, 1964, to a joint seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia vacated by Judge Harry Evans Watkins.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 30, 1964, and received his commission on May 1, 1964.

He served as Chief Judge of the Southern District from 1971 to 1973.