Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro

1488 Lascassas Pike

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Charles Findley Obituary

Charles Findley

Nashville, TN

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 three daughters, Robin Bolduc, Charlotte, NC, Susan Brown and her husband Doug, Nashville, TN, and Alison Hulburt and her husband 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 a.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Cemetery, Murfreesboro, under the direction of Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Visitation will follow from 1 until 3 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.

Woodfin Memorial Chapel, (615) 893-5151.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tennessean on May 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Findley

Sponsored by Robin F. Bolduc.

Not sure what to say?





Hines

May 11, 2015

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."

Ciara Carfetr

May 6, 2015

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

John Mastin

May 6, 2015

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.

Sue Ruggiero

May 6, 2015

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

Sherry Silk-Lane

May 6, 2015

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.

Cheri Jones

May 5, 2015

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.

Nell Reed

May 5, 2015

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.

Barbara Silk

May 5, 2015

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.

May 5, 2015

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

K

May 5, 2015

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

Leanne Smith

May 5, 2015

I was an employee of Heil Quaker when Mr. Findley was our President. Mr. Findley was one of the kindest men I have ever know. As a young employee he made a great impression on me. He always knew your name and made each of us feel important. He was liked and respected by all that knew him. I will always remember him with fondness and a smile.

May 5, 2015

Susan, Doug, Harrison, Blaine and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is never easy to lose a parent or grandparent. Much love, Anne, Tom and Beth

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Charles Findley's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Charles Findley

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro

1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Findley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more