Charles (Charlie) W. Leffler Ph.D.'s Obituary
Charles (Charlie) W. Leffler, Ph.D.
Charlie, 74, passed away on September 28 after a courageous battle with Lewy body dementia. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 21, 1947 to William and Marjorie Smith Leffler. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 53 years, Robin; daughter, Noelle (David) Dunavant; granddaughters, Robin and Avery; brother, John (Leslie) Leffler; brother-in-law, Brent (Lori) Burke and his beloved Mulligan (Calavier King Charles Spaniel).
Charlie was a beloved husband and father, an adoring and proud grandparent, a great mentor and a friend to many during his life. He loved life as a scientist and had many other interests. He loved to ski and enjoyed many trips to the slopes with his family and friends. The beautiful salt water tank in his home showcased his love of marine biology and was enjoyed by all who visited. He went snorkeling as often as possible while living in a landlocked city. Every year his Kentucky Derby Party was a highlight event, and being lucky enough to draw the winning horse was a cherished memory. He and Robin loved to travel, venturing to Alaska, Africa, Italy, the Greek Isles, the Baja Peninsula, and the Panama Channel. Early in life Charlie learned to play golf at his father’s country club. He continued to play the game he loved at Windyke Country Club until July of this year. He had many friends that enjoyed playing with him over the years and will miss his many unique rules and expressions which brought smiles to their faces.
Charlie attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana and transferred to the University of Miami where he earned his BS in Zoology. He earned his Ph.D. in Physiology and received post-doctoral training from the University of Florida. Charlie accepted a faculty position at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the Department of Physiology in 1977. He rose in rank to full professor of Physiology and later was honored with an appointment as Professor of Pediatrics. In honor of his many academic accomplishments, he was named as a Distinguished Professor in 2011. He was the founding
Director of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Laboratory for Research in Neonatal Physiology and also the Director of the Cardiovascular Renal Center at the University. Charlie was an internationally recognized scholar who published over 260 papers focusing on the factors that control the cerebral microvasculature (blood flow) in newborns during stressful and pathological situations.
A memorial service will be held on October 22 at 2:00 pm at Collierville Methodist Sanctuary on the Square with a Celebration of Life following at the Quonset. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to The American Heart Association or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles (Charlie)?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles (Charlie)?
Share a story where Charles (Charlie)'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles (Charlie) you’ll never forget.
How did Charles (Charlie) make you smile?
