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Charles Spencer Tunnell

Charles Spencer Tunnell

December 30, 1944 - September 14, 2019
North Chesterfield

Charles Spencer Tunnell

December 30, 1944 - September 14, 2019
North Chesterfield

Obituary

Tunnell, Charles Spencer

December 30, 1944 – September 14, 2019

Named for his paternal grandfather, Charlie was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, the youngest child of Paul Deward Tunnell and Mary Belle McQueen Tunnell. He was predeceased by his parents and his three older siblings, Anne ‘Snookie’ Dawson of Newark, Ohio; and Roger A. Tunnell and Gail T. Estep of Johnson City, Tennessee.

Married on September 12, 1964, he and his wife, Judy Jones Tunnell, just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary…so many years…so many loving memories. He held a deep father’s love and tremendous respect for their three sons as well as his daughters-in-law: Bryan Paul Tunnell; Charles Allen ‘Chase’ Tunnell and his wife Tonya; and Aaron Spencer Tunnell and his wife Jill Blankenburg. Their four grandsons lit up his heart and world: Jacob Reed Tunnell, Charles Davison Tunnell, Wilson Griffith Tunnell (Victoria), and Bergen Paul Tunnell. And then, there is finally a girl, his beautiful great-granddaughter, Wilson and Victoria’s Hayden Rain Tunnell. Life also blessed them with their Godson, Adam Jose Alvarado (Shannon) and their son Adam Joshua ‘Chic’ Alvarado. Charlie was a quiet but strong guiding force in his family…he was so very proud of each of them.

He was an active father in his growing sons’ lives, coaching and cheering for Bensley Athletic Association teams for many years, applauding at high school and college theater productions, encouraging at triathlon and Ironman events, and keeping beat with the drums at band performances. He later proudly cheered from the stands for his grandsons at karate competitions, track and field events, soccer, and volleyball games. For himself, Charlie spent hours in his favorite recliner with the TV remote and a mug of coffee in hand, and his canine sidekick Max in his lap, watching their favorite tennis stars on television. Quite a workout!

Charlie proudly served for many years with the Chesterfield County Police Department’s Special Police force, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, was active in the formation of the Chesterfield County Crime Solvers, and was a member of the Chesterfield County Police Foundation.

He loved his travels with Judy to places like Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Switzerland, as well as domestic and international travels with his sons and friends. There are probably lots of stories that should never be told of fishing trips with his friends Jim B., Dave, and Jim W.

His business career started at the age of eight or nine as a flour-taster at Tunnell’s Grocery in Johnson City, owned by his aunt and uncle…it kept him busy and out of trouble. At nine or ten, he then moved to bigger tasks when his older brother gave him the responsibility of going to the nearby hardware store to fetch him a left-handed screwdriver and buckets of steam to clean the car engines…whatever the ridiculous task, Charlie did it willingly and proudly for his prankster brother.

His true business career began when a high school counselor told Charlie that he would have a hard time finding a job because he was all-too-frequently absent from school on Mondays. He graduated from George Wythe High School on a Friday in June of 1962 and went to work the following Monday sweeping floors and cleaning the shop at Dominion Heating and Air Conditioning. In 1979, he bought the company and expanded it into what is now Dominion Service Company of Richmond (DSCR). He recently said that he always had a tendency to partially judge a new employee’s potential by whether they showed up to work on Mondays. He ran his company in a family atmosphere and respected the personal lives of his employees. His sons now fill those shoes. A close business associate recently summed up Charlie’s personality and overall approach to life, “Your steady hand and kind demeanor have been key to our success.” So true in so many facets of his life.

We extend our deep appreciation for the care shown to Charlie and our family during his illness by the staff of the Virginia Cancer Institute, especially the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, and to the surgeons and staff at The Virginia Surgical Institute. His Hospice nurses brought Charlie and the family comfort, peace, and many smiles during their time with us…thank you from our hearts.

Rather than a formal service, Charlie wanted his family and friends to enjoy time together sharing stories, laughing, and remembering. In honor of his wishes, we invite those who have touched our lives to join us at Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23234 on September 18th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on September 19th from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for refreshments, lots of laughs, many happy memories, and a few tears. Per Charlie’s request, graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park will be private.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please contribute to the Chesterfield County Police Foundation, P.O Box 1684, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832; do as Charlie often did and open your heart and wallet to help someone in need. Or on behalf of his much-loved canine sidekick, donate to a local animal shelter to save an animal’s life or rescue one to love as he did with Max.

Visitation

  • Date & Time: September 18, 2019 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
  • Venue: Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service
  • Location: 6500 Iron Bridge Road N, Chesterfield, VA 23234 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (804) 275-7828

Visitation

  • Date & Time: September 19, 2019 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
  • Venue: Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service
  • Location: 6500 Iron Bridge Road N, Chesterfield, VA 23234 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (804) 275-7828

Visitation

  • Date & Time: September 19, 2019 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
  • Venue: Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service
  • Location: 6500 Iron Bridge Road N, Chesterfield, VA 23234 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (804) 275-7828

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6 responses to Charles Spencer Tunnell

  1. Kathy Sweeny says:

    Dear Judy, Brian, Chase and Aaron, I am deeply saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. I remember him with such fond memories. May the love of family and friends comfort you greatly at this time. We are praying God’s strength, love and peace will carry you through these difficult days and the days ahead. With much love, Kathy, Will, Chris, and Josh Sweeny

    1. Dear Judy and family,

      Our family is saddened to hear of Charles passing. We are praying for the comfort of family and friends to surround you with light and prayer, during this trying time.

      Sincerely,
      Don and Lisa Dawson

  2. The Tunnel Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. You all have always remained a wonderful memory of my childhood, although time has separated our everyday lives, I have always and will always think of all of you as my 2nd family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Fly high, Charlie.

    Karen Marshall

  3. Kim Bradley says:

    Dear Tunnell Family,

    I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father; Charlie was a wonderful person. You all are in my thoughts and prayers..my condolences to you.

    Sincerely,

    Kim

  4. Dear Judy, Bryan, Chase, Aaron & family,

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. So many wonderful memories have come flooding back. Memories I will always cherish. You had so many great times together. May remembering them & holding them close to your hearts bring you comfort & peace.

    I loved being a part of your family, if only for a little while. Thank you all for welcoming me. I love you all & am saddened by your tremendous loss.

    With deepest sympathies,
    Sherry Balser Martz

  5. Dear Judy, Chase, Aaron and Bryan~

    What a wonderful Man You all were so lucky to have!!! Although it was a very long time ago… it seems like yesterday…. sitting on the couch with Jake (dog) across from Charlie in his chair and I can see his smile and hear his voice so clearly. That was more than 30 years ago. I know how much you all love one another and I’m glad he went away from this world happy. Praying for you and I love you.❤️

    Kim Phillips Letellier

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