Final Salute

Chuck was born October 3rd, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Charles and Margaret French. He graduated from Memphis Technical High School in 1970. He was so talented that he was immediately hired to work for International upon graduation. He was involved with several Tech High School reunions. It was very important to him. He fell in love with Vintage Automobiles at the age of six when his great uncle took him for a ride in one. At the age of fourteen, he worked for a gas station and purchased his first Model A. He gave his whole paycheck until it was paid off. Vintage Automobiles were his passion until the Lord took him home. He was involved in several Vintage Automobile clubs throughout the years. The final one was Memphis Model A Club. He has several Vintage Automobiles that he now has in a private museum that he and his wife had built on their property. It is meant for others to come and enjoy. You never found him without a pair of pliers in his pocket. He never knew when he would need them and he used them often. He became an Eagle Scout on November 14, 1966. He was part of troop BSA 36 from Chickasaw council Memphis, TN. He also became a Scout Master for many years alongside his father and brothers. He was a Scout Master of BSA Troup 272 at Cherry Road Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. He joined the Navy on August 3, 1972. He was a SeaBee where he received The National Defense Service Medal and he was an Equipment Operator Class A. He was honorably discharged on December 14, 1977 from the Navy Reserves. Chuck was a very honorable, Godly man, with a soft and tender heart. He loved the lord dearly. He had come to salvation Sept 1977. He always did what he could to help other people whether it was with his time, vehicle, equipment, parts, whatever was needed. He was a member of Grace Bible Church for over 35 years until they temporally closed their doors because of Covid. He and his wife didn’t want to miss church so they would visit other Baptist churches closer to home that kept their doors open. He and his wife were almost always together. They were married for nearly 12 years. They built a farm and museum together where he will be sorely missed. His wife will do everything she can to keep his legacy alive to fulfill his dreams about the farm and museum. He had met his wife on Farmers Only. She had been a widow for nearly two years and lived in Wisconsin. She left everything she’d known for over 44 years and came to Mississippi to be his wife. Chuck loved to make people smile no matter where he was or what he was doing. Chuck had several of what we call Chuckisms. He was loved by many and had a few very close friends.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette French; children Alan Marshall French, Jennifer Kathleen French Williams (Tyler), Diana Christine Weise Schuls (Allen); grandchildren Keegan Raine French, Caitlynn Jane Testolin, Dominik Joseph Testolin (Emily), Allie Lou Schuls Mackey (Paul), Trent Michael Williams; great grandchildren Alyanna Ann Jacob, Oliver Eden Martin, Phoenix Jameson Mackey, Arthur Manfred Testolin, Atlas Wilder Mackey; siblings Charlene French Starnes, David S. French (Ann), Steve French (Susan), Jeanie French Wilkinson (Skipper); several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret French; and brother-in-law Wayne Starnes.