Charles L. Jetton's Obituary
Memphis and Little Rock lost one of its dearest citizens on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Charles Livingston Jetton (Charlie) died just shy of 96 years young after a brief time in hospice care in Little Rock, Arkansas. Charlie was born in Memphis on the first day of spring, March 21, 1919, the son of Edwin Warren and Frances Mae Jetton. He lived in Memphis until the last few years of his life when he moved to Little Rock to be close to his daughter, Diane. He blessed the world around him with a twinkle in his eyes and contagious smile right up to his peaceful passing.Above all else, Charlie adored the women in his life, his wife and three daughters. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Carey Jetton, on the train to Vanderbilt and the two were married in 1940 at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis. Elizabeth passed away in 2008. Charlie’s daughters were blessed with a father who demonstrated his love and respect, and always encouraged his girls.Charlie was a graduate of Central High School and Vanderbilt University in the class of 1940 where he was president of the senior class and captain of the baseball team. A World War II Navy veteran, he served as Supply Officer for the LST Amphibious Flotilla Group #13 in the South Pacific. Following his military service, he played baseball for the Memphis Chicks minor league team managed by Elizabeth’s uncle, Thompson (Doc) Prothro.He was a founding member of The Church of the Holy Communion where he served on the vestry. Charlie was active in Memphis civic life as a member of the Memphis Exchange Club and the Memphis Rotary Club. He coached youth baseball for years for the Welcome Wagon team, serving as a mentor to those young men.From 1948 to 1960 Charlie was president of Desoto Hardware Store that was founded by his father-in-law and once occupied the space above the Rendezvous restaurant downtown. In 1960 he and his brother-in-law, Bill Dowdle, founded Dowdle and Jetton Sporting Goods. Every boy growing up in Memphis in the 60’s, who played team sports, fished or hunted, shopped with Charlie. In 1964 he joined the University of Memphis, first as manager of the campus bookstore and later as the Director of Business Services. Here his business skills and mentorship gifts were put to great use. He retired from the university in 1982 and enjoyed a long and wonderful retirement.This was a man who knew how to play and make the most of life. He and Elizabeth traveled frequently to spend time with family and to explore new places, including a long-desired trip to Alaska. He loved playing golf, fishing the “honey hole” on Bear Creek Lake, puttering at the cabin and tending his garden. Always the athlete, he became a champion senior racquetball player during his later working years. He was also a lover of classical music with a particular fondness for the romantic pieces, especially Bolero and the opera, Carmen.Charlie found his joy in his relationships, in service to others and in nature. During his retirement he delivered meals through the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA). He was an active volunteer with the Memphis Botanic Garden where the plants he raised from seeds were always a sell-out at the annual plant sale. He was a committed contributor to his church, the Nature Conservancy and the American Indian Education Fund.Charlie always had a good story to share, often about a fishing adventure, an escapade with his buddies at Vanderbilt or one of his baseball highlights. Just a couple of days before he passed he shared the story with his daughters about the time he was playing third base for Vanderbilt. The batter hit a long ball and rounded the bases to third. Mischievous young man that he was, Charlie hid the ball in his glove and when the player casually stepped off the base thinking he was good to go, Charlie tagged him out.Lots of folks talk about wanting to leave a legacy at the end of their lives. Charlie left his legacy day to day throughout his life. The list of those whose lives he touched and inspired is long. His glass was always half full. He was, as Peter in the Bible said all should be, “harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit.”He leaves three daughters and their spouses, Diane Jetton Hobson and MGen. Ret. James L Hobson of Little Rock, AR; Mary Frances Jetton and husband, Peter Pennington of Alexandria, VA and Elizabeth W. Jetton and husband, Michael J. Smith of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren, Carey Kelly, Shannon Hobson, Chaz Teplin, Ellie Teplin and Ryan Smith and six great grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Ethan, Elijah, Martin and Helyn. He also leaves behind two nephews and a niece, Bill, Wayne and Carey Dowdle and goddaughter, Pat Embry Olhausen.The family will have a private burial service on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial service followed by a reception in the parish hall will be held on Friday, March 6, 2015, at 11am at the Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38117.Memorial donations may be made to the Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA) at 910 Vance Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126 (or online) or the Church Health Center at Church of the Holy Communion.“I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.” ― Lao Tzu
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