Charles Alford Flemmings

Charles Alford Flemmings passed away peacefully under the care of hospice at his home on October 17th, 2025, surrounded by family.
Charles, known affectionately as "Bobby" was the second of five sons born to his parents, Rother Flemmings Sr. and Marie Flemmings in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rother Flemmings Sr. and Marie Flemmings, and brothers, Rother Flemmings Jr., James Flemmings, Ronnie Flemmings, and Clarence Flemmings.
Charles is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dr. Tracey Hardiman Flemmings. Charles Anthony McCurdy, Charles Blair, Christopher Flemmings (Gabriella), Candace Flemmings Feist (Justin) and other family members sisters-in-law, Francelle Flemmings, Pamela Koffa, Sonja Forrest, brothers-in-law, Clarence Hardiman (Annette), Marvin Hardiman, Marcellus Evans, grandson, Caelen Feist, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members.
Bobby had a special place in his heart for his hometown, Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Austin East High School and attended Knoxville College. Bobby was a community advocate who was instrumental in driving members of his community to both register to vote and to the polls on election days. Bobby retired from his time as a City Manager for the City of Knoxville after 38 years of dedicated service.
In Bobby's early years, he committed his life to Christ and was a faithful member of his family's church, First Baptist Church Roseberry City. He enjoyed playing basketball, and softball with his brothers. Bobby once played on a semi-professional basketball team representing his beloved city of Knoxville. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing and coaching. Bobby coached women's softball, as well as the men's basketball team for Job Corps of America when it was located on the campus of Knoxville College. He also enjoyed playing pool or "shooting the bull" with his brothers, friends, and brothers-in-law.
Although he worked for the City of Knoxville to provide stability for his family, Bobby was always an entrepreneur at heart. He owned multiple businesses from a t-shirt printing shop, a local corner convenience store and finally his restaurant. Bobby found his greatest joy as the co-owner of the Magnolia Cafe with his wife Tracey for the past 29 years where he brought food, music, fun and soul to the Knoxville community that he cherished and loved. The Magnolia Cafe is one of the oldest Black-owned establishments in East Knoxville. At one point, Bobby was managing both the Malibu night club, and Broker nightclub all while co-owning the Magnolia Cafe!
After retirement, Bobby developed a new joy watching his son, Christopher play basketball at the collegiate and professional level and his daughter Candace, rowing at the collegiate level on the Neyland river through the heart of Knoxville. He rejoiced with pride as his family extended to add his daughter-in-law Gabriella, and son-in-law Justin. Reaching the end of his journey, Bobby found comfort spending his retired years traveling with his wife, Tracey, to casinos and to Miami to visit his grandson, Caelen.
Legendary, Bobby facts: 1. He called everyone "chief" mostly because he would not remember their names 2. He never used an alarm clock, he believed that if you put your mind on something the night before to be somewhere, then you will be there and be on time. 3. If asked how he is doing, he would respond "Barely can hardly make it!"
Rest in peace Bobby for God has removed you from your pain and has decided it was time to reunite you to celebrate your birthday on October 27th with your parents and brothers. My dear beloved, your family that you have left on this temporary soil will mourn your passing and yet will carry your legacy forward forever.
The Flemmings family would especially like to thank devoted friends and family: Janice Hughes, Charles Anthony McCurdy, Angela Satterfield, Willietta Ellis Connor, McArthur Brown. Mrs. Roberta Hughe Pinckney and Britt Bogues, who provided medical guidance and knowledge throughout Bobby's journey. Bobby's business partners Sam McKenzie, Frank Shanklin, and Anthony "Gravel Pitt" Kimbrough. Devoted friend, Teresa Whaley, and the entire staff at The Magnolia Café.
The Flemmings family would also like to thank Park west Hospital Staff, Covenant Hospice Team, Life Care Center of Blount County, Bridges Funeral Home, and Greenwood Cemetery for their care of Bobby and additionally everyone for their prayers, calls, visits, jokes and words of comfort over the last five months. May God continue to bless each of you.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Bridges Funeral Home from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, with Dr. Walter Ghosten officiating. Immediately following the service, family and friends will go in procession to Greenwood Cemetery for a 1:00 PM Graveside Service.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com