Christopher Rivers Nunnally

1958 - 2022

Christopher Rivers Nunnally passed away on January 25, 2022, at New York-Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn NY, after a brief illness.

Chris was born in Memphis, TN on September 28, 1958. Growing up in Midtown, he demonstrated an early proclivity for the performing arts. He became well known in the Mid-South for performances in school tournaments and in community theater. After attending Central High School, he obtained a degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles and relocated to New York City in the 1980s, where he worked in TV and feature film in various production roles. Later, he went to work for the Salmagundi Club, a fine arts non-profit in lower Manhattan. As Director of Operations there, he managed many aspects of the club for over 15 years and became an important figure in that fine old New York institution. He was tireless in his work there, always ready to help and seeming to always find a solution to every problem, and always with his signature warmth and wit. The board of Salmagundi has advised that the front room of that landmark building will henceforth be named for him, and the club will fund and award an annual purchase prize in his memory at their historic 'Black & White' show.

It was in 2002 that Christopher embarked on his starring role: fatherhood. He was a devoted dad to his son Michael, who is currently a freshman at an upstate New York college, where he is studying for a career in sports management. Parenting was everything to Chris, and his success in this is seen in his son's wonderful qualities. We know Michael will do well in life because of what his father has taught him.

Chris will always be remembered as talented, creative, energetic, funny, and generous. He read widely in history, cinema, social sciences, politics, literature, and many other subjects. He was ever fascinating to chat with.

The family is most grateful for the huge outpouring of support and condolences that we are receiving. Knowing how widely he was loved is a comfort at this difficult time.

He leaves his son Michael Rivers Nunnally of New York City, sisters Joan Carby of Louisville KY and Deborah Nunnally of Laurence Harbor NJ, nieces Leslie Biglari of Louisville KY, Jill Perry of Fuquay-Varina NC, Ginger Nally of Ames IA and Robin Nunnally of Seattle WA, and partner Loretta Lurie of New York City. He was preceded in death by his parents Martha Louise Rivers and Guy Tuggle Nunnally, and brother Michael Lee Nunnally.

In lieu of flowers, the family invite contributions to further his son's college education, through this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-chris-nunnally

For more about Christopher, please vist https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/people/in-memoriam-christopher-nunnally-salmagundi-director-of-operations/