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.
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13 Condolence(s)
Sandy Leinberg
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
I hold a special memory in my heart of Charley as a grandparent to one of my students that we both cared about and loved. Come to find out he had been of service to my family! A man that I hold a place of respect and appreciation. A man with a servant’s heart. Fly high and may you RIP
Ashley Powell
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
My deepest sympathies to all the family .Especially, Woodis and the kids and grandkids .
I was new in Memphis from Florida in summer of 2008 , I was welcomed By Charlie and Woodis at thier home in Horse Shoe Lake ..I was a complete to stranger to them and not at the best time of my life.
They made me feel loved and welcomed and we became instant friends .
Fell in love with a whole bunch of family and extended family .over time ,because of this initial encounter .
Good Times were had by all .
I just saw this and just took my car to the shop ,Id love to pay my respects atleast I can express my condolences here .
I will always be greatful for this kindness.My thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Sarah Ledbetter
Monday, March 29, 2021
Letting you know that your grief and your love are seen and felt, and that I honor your precious days of letting go. I didn’t know this beautiful man but I am touched by his life. Lifting you up in love.
Carolyn Abdullah
Monday, March 29, 2021
My deepest sympathy to you David and to your family as well.
Joanne Farley Rhodes
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Kelly, Walker and I will be holding you and your family in the Light Melissa. We are so sorry for your great loss. The obituary is a wonderful, loving tribute to your father.
Bill Matthews
Sunday, March 28, 2021
I always thought Uncle Charlie was a cool guy. I always loved getting together with the Dunn’s at the Matthews Family Christmas party when I was a kid. It’s been several years since I last saw Charlie. He and Woodis came to visit my Mom one afternoon. Mom went into assisted living a few months after that. I have seen Barbara a couple of years ago when she came with Mark & Nancy Matthews to Jackson. Uncle Charlie was a good man and he had a great family. I’ll see Uncle Charlie again someday, when I get to Heaven. I pray for God to continue to bless his family.
Dan Shipley
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Charley was our next door neighbor at Horseshoe Lake. Could not have asked for a better one. RIP Charley....
Dan Charette
Sunday, March 28, 2021
I have fond memories of Charlie from when he would come to Beale and hang with Dave and the rest of us. Fun to be around.
Henry Nelson
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Woodis, Melissa, peace be with you. ðŸ™ðŸ¾
Jo Beth Dunn
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Always had so much love and respect for you Uncle Charlie (Stinky). Now the table is full in heaven. I cherish your memory and you will be missed.
Connie Brooks
Saturday, March 27, 2021
We will miss Charlie, even though we met only a few times, But right from the first he as well as his whole family, made us feel as part of the family and I was very glad to know our son married into such a loving family
Steve Mendelsohn
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Charlie will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him. He humbly helped countless numbers of people going through difficult times without fanfare. Always a fun guy to be around. Woodis, I am with you in thought and prayer at this difficult time.
Gary Shellenberger
Saturday, March 27, 2021
His laughter will be my forever memory.