Louis Rodney Chamblee

1947 - 2016

Louis Rodney Chamblee

Jackson and Oxford

Louis Rodney Chamblee, 69 passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 22, 2016, due to complications from an aortic dissection at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

He was born on March 25, 1947, in Jackson, MS. He was a 1965 graduate of Raymond High School, where he was an All-Star basketball and football player. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1969, where he played basketball for his beloved Rebels.

He met the love of his life, the former, Nancy Dunn, while at Ole Miss. He had her laughing and dancing for almost 47 years. Many apologies from our family if they stole the show at your wedding. Just like his Rebels, he never lost a party.

He started his career selling life insurance in Oxford, and although he won awards, he said he grew weary of calling his friends and trying to convince them they were going to die, so he began selling real estate. It became his passion, and in 1979, he started The Chamblee Company. He was overjoyed when his son, Luke, joined the company in 2003. He was always so grateful and appreciative of his loyal staff, Chris Thigpen, Missy Breeden, and Nina Nail, who worked tirelessly for him. He had a fondness for each and every one of his properties, but was most proud of The Graduate Hotel in Oxford.

He treasured his church, Lakeside Presbyterian. He was blessed to serve there as a deacon and elder. He loved the Lord with all his heart. He was active in many civic organizations and was always eager and willing to help people behind the scenes.

He loved his Ole Miss Rebels with his whole heart and could be found at almost every sporting event they played. He raised his children, Stacy and Luke, to love them, as well. His most favorite pastime was to be in the Grove with his friends and family. He will be dearly missed and remembered with each and every Hotty Toddy.

When he was not cheering on the Rebels, he spent his free time doling out unsolicited advice and bad calls, on the tennis court at River Hills Club, where he served as President. He had the miraculous gift of making you mad and making you laugh at the same time, but without question, he always left you smiling. Many thanks to his tennis buddies, whom he dearly loved.

He taught his children to love the Lord and love people with his huge heart. He took the time to get to know everyone he met and found something he loved, and usually something funny, about each one. His magnetic personality was even larger than him.

We are so grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff that have cared for him this year. He had them laughing and crying at the same time too. He had that gift until the peaceful end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ailene Martin and Ollie Chamblee; and his sister, Barbara Chamblee Smith. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Dunn Chamblee; his daughter, Stacy Chamblee Meek (Randy) of Mobile, AL; son, Luke Chamblee (Beth) of Oxford, MS; five grandchildren, Patton Meek, Chamblee Meek, Keaton Chamblee, Lynlee Chamblee, and Nancy Chamblee; brothers Lamar Chamblee of Olive Branch, MS and Gary Chamblee of Raymond, MS; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm till 7:00pm Tuesday Oct. 25,2016 and Wednesday from 10:00am till 11:00am with services at 11:00am all at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Brandon, MS. Graveside services will be in the Oxford City Cemetery at 4:pm Wed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Palmer Home for Children or the charity of your choice.