Charles-Findley-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro

Charles Findley

Nashville, Tennessee

Age 91

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DIED
May 3, 2015
AGE
91
LOCATION
Nashville, Tennessee
CHARITY
Alzheimer's Association

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Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro Obituary

Charles Homer ?Chuck? Findley passed away May 3, 2015 due to complications of dementia. Born January 14, 1924, in Saegertown Pennsylvania, the son of the late Homer L. and Marian Luce Findley, ?Chuck? will be remembered as a friend of many, a community leader, and a caring father and grandfather.

Raised in a small town between Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania, Chuck attended Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. He interrupted his undergraduate education and volunteered to serve in the United States Navy in World War II. There he held the rank of Lieutenant JG and was a ?frogman,? serving as a member of an underwater demolition team in the Pacific.

Chuck served in the navy for three years before returning to complete an economics degree at Baldwin-Wallace, where he was known as a serial prankster. He went on to earn a law degree at Cleveland Marshall Law School and passed the Ohio bar, eventually choosing a career in business. Through college and the military, Chuck became an accomplished trumpet player, and had a true love of jazz repertoire. Music remained important to him through Christian hymns, as he was known to sing the chorus to ?Rock of Ages? everywhere he went.

Following law school, he began his career with General Electric Company in Schenectady, New York as a priorities specialist for manufacturing services. One of his favorite projects was working on the design of the propulsion system for the atomic-powered Sea Wolf submarine. He then moved to DeKalb, Illinois with GE and held positions in personnel, purchasing, engineering production control and manufacturing. He transferred to Murfreesboro Tennessee, to serve as a plant manager in GE?s appliance motor production facility.

In Murfreesboro, he served as a community leader and developed a reputation for his selflessness toward those who worked with him. His bond with the Murfreesboro community was reflected through his several elected positions, including the Murfreesboro school board, the water board, and was a board member of the Boy Scouts of America.

Chuck was then assigned as executive vice president of GE Mexican operations in 1969, and he resigned to join Heil-Quaker Corporation in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1971 he transferred to Whirlpool?s Clyde, Ohio division as general manager and served on the board of Fremont Hospital until 1976. In addition he was general manager of Whirlpool?s St. Paul, Minnesota Division from 1976-1978.

His final move was back to Nashville in 1978 to take the position of president and CEO of Heil-Quaker. He served as president of GAMA (Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association), and after his retirement he was honored to serve on the board of directors for the Lockinvar Corporation.

Chuck was an avid golfer, championing a new swing every six months and building many friendships on and off the course. These friends ultimately elected Chuck President of the Board at Richland Country Club, where he golfed through his retirement.

A life-long United Methodist, Chuck served the church in many capacities including youth and adult Sunday school teacher, and administrative board member. He was a member of Belle Meade United Methodist Church for 37 years and treasured his time in the congregation.

Chuck was preceded in death by his college sweetheart and wife of 49 years, Helen Fyler Findley and second wife Billie Jean Dorris. He is survived by his brother, Donald Findley, CA, sister, Sue Ruggiero, Virginia, three daughters, Robin Bolduc Charlotte, NC, Susan Brown (Doug), Nashville, TN, and Alison Hulburt (Robb), Chicago, IL. Children of all ages gave him great joy and he is also survived by his two beloved grandchildren, Harrison Brown of Washington, DC and Blaine Brown of Boston, MA.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Cemetery, Murfreesboro under the direction of Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Visitation will follow from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. in the Reed Hall at West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203.

The family requests memorials be made to Belle Meade United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts of America or Alzheimer?s Association and an online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com

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There are no words to express the loss of a loved one Isaiah 59:1 "Look, The hand of God is not too short to save, nor is his ear too dull to hear."

I'm so sorry ladies for your lost. Your father was such a great joy at Richland place! He truly will be missed.

Love always Ciara C

Chuck Findley was a not co









Chuck Findley was a great Man and a consummate gentleman both in personal and business life. I had the privilege of working under this great Man while He served as CEO at Heil Quaker. His strong management style coupled with his kindness helped me become the person I am today.
Thanks, Chuck. Rest in peace.

Our hearts and prayers are there with all of you. Buddy, as his Mom, Dad, brother Don, sister June and I lovingly called him was a wonderful and caring husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He was strong in many ways and had a huge and loving heart. He touched many lives in positive ways and will be greatly missed, until we meet again.
Sue and Nick

Susan, Robin, & Allyson,
I read with regret today about your father's passing. So many memories came flooding back. Ones from shopping trips to White Stag with your Mom, cookouts in the back yard with your father making s'mores, lots of bicycle riding, charm school, GE parties for the families, and just hanging out together. I know you will miss your father, yet he's left such a wonderful legacy. May your family, friends, and faith sustain you and always remind you of him.

I will always remember Uncle Buddy as a strong but very kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. So thankful I got to see him at the reunion at Susan's home.

Sympathy for the family in this time of loss.Sorry I am unable to be with you during this time due to my own illness. Mr. Finley was an amazing plant manager at General Electric in Murfreesboro.

The Findleys were great neighbors! I remember one weekend when Bob had to be out of town with his boy scout troup: Your mom and dad invited us over for a cook-out, and your dad made s'mores - the first I ever had.

Your dad was the best plant manager that GE had. He was not only a great manager, but a good friend.

Bob has been gone 9 yrs now. But I'll bet they're up there swapping stories about the old days.

"Chuck" was one of the good ones.

What a wonderful life. Well done thou good and faithful servant. Your friend, Sig Hulburt