of Memphis, TN

November 8, 1936 - March 25, 2021

Charles ''Charley'' Edward Dunn Sr. passed away peacefully March 25, 2021 at the age of 84. He lived his final years at Horseshoe Lake, AR, where he made many friends and was embraced by the community. Charley was born November 8, 1936 to Jim Blane and Nannie Bell Dunn and was married to Woodis Allen Dunn for 26 years. He leaves the mother of his children (Barbara Dunn), three children, two grandchildren and two stepchildren: Chuck Dunn (Lawrie) and grandchildren Charley and Christopher; David Dunn (Kathy); Melissa Dunn (James Brooks); Robert King and Carol King. He also leaves the dogs he loved, Duke and Duchess.

He was the last survivor of seven Dunn siblings and maintained close relationships with his family all his life. He followed his brother Duck Dunn's music career with immense pride and attended every live performance he could, often talking to him daily while he travelled the world.

Charley left Southside High School early to support his family's business, yet managed to have a very successful business career in his own right. He started a sales career at Graybar Electric Company and was promoted to regional sales manager. He was co-founder of Electri-Com, an independent wholesale electric distributor that remains in business today. He went on to start Commercial Lighting Design and was a key supplier to Holiday Inn during their heyday in the 1970's and 1980s. He eventually acquired Southland Manufacturing Company, and in partnership with his son Chuck, built a national presence under the lighting fixture tradename Lumalier. In the late 1980's and early 1990's he earned a reputation as trusted expert in ultraviolet germicidal lighting and provided UV devices to control tuberculosis in congregate settings across the USA and around the world. Lumalier became Tru-D SmartUVC in 2005 and continues to operate successfully. This could not have happened without Charley's legacy of a solid foundation.

Charley was generous with his volunteer time and supported countless friends and strangers through their toughest times and struggles. He is past president of St. Louis Men's Club and some have said he was first to offer the ever famous BarBQ bologna sandwich that remains a mainstay at the St. Louis Hole-In-One Charity Golf Tournament. He was a gourmet chef and loved to cook for friends and family.

He had a terrific sense of humor and was a great storyteller, always with a quick wit or funny anecdote. He carried on the Dunn trait of laughing so hard at his own jokes that everybody else laughed too (whether it was really funny or not). Charley was ''Uncle Stinky'' to many nieces and nephews and took a personal interest in each of their lives. Charley will be remembered as having a keen sense for business and being an exceptional Dad, husband and friend.

A memorial service will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, 201 N Pine Street, West Memphis, AR, on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 2:30 PM.

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the local Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet is recommended for funeral services and all attendees are requested to wear masks.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com