Charlie Louis Geater Jr.

Charlie Louis Geater, Jr., age 73, entered peacefully into eternal rest on July 10, 2026. He was born in Forrest City, Arkansas to Charlie Louis Geater Sr. and Ella Pauline Geater in 1952 and was the oldest of 4 children. Charlie was a proud product of the Memphis City School system, graduating from Messick High in 1970. He was a National Merit Finalist and scored a perfect 36 on his ACT.

After graduating high school, Charlie followed in his father’s footsteps as an auto mechanic at General Truck Sales & Service. He was recognized early in his career as one of the Top 40 mechanics within the General Motors dealership network. Charlie later went to work for the City of Memphis, where he devoted 38 years of faithful service before retiring at the age of 71.

Charlie approached the world with curiosity and a desire to understand how things worked. Family and friends often joked that he could fix nearly anything, and he was rarely afraid to take something apart to figure it out. A lifelong Boy Scout and later a Scout leader for his eldest son, he always believed in being prepared - once even using a fire extinguisher he kept in his car to save a stranger from a vehicle fire.

Charlie also had a lifelong love of music. He played the alto saxophone, accordion, and later in life developed a particular passion for the ukulele. He was able to play nearly any instrument he picked up and built several dulcimers by hand. A faithful member of the Messick High School Band, he maintained many of those friendships throughout his life and attended annual band reunions for many years. He remained especially close to his band director, mentor, and dear friend Tom Swayzee, Sr. until his passing in 2016.

Having grown up with very little materially, Charlie carried those experiences with him throughout his life. He worked hard to provide opportunities for his children that he had not had himself. He shared with them his love of books, music, scouting, and lifelong learning. He loved the mountains and cherished memories of family vacations to Norfork, Arkansas. He often expressed his care for others through simple acts of service, especially by bringing food to family and friends.

Charlie lived a full and complicated life. He was deeply intelligent, endlessly curious, and extraordinarily talented. He leaves behind many memories and stories that will continue to be carried by those who knew him.

Charlie was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Denise Reynolds, and his father, Charlie Louis Geater, Sr. He is survived by his children Lou (Kristin), Ben, and Abbey Geater, as well as grandchildren Katie and Caleb. He is also survived by his mother Pauline Geater, brothers Phillip (Elaine), Paul (Bobbie) and sister Lisa, as well as Janet Geater and Maggie Kitchens Camp.

Visitation will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, US, on July 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Memory Hill Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, US, on July 22, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers any donations in his memory be directed towards A Hope & A Future, Inc. located in Bartlett, TN.