The Patriarch of the Imbler family passed away on May 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Charles “Chuck” V. Imbler Sr. was born October 8, 1931, in Macon, Missouri. He was born to Anna and Virgil Brooks. He lost his dad at age three. His mother later married Randall Imbler, who adopted Chuck, and together they raised their only child.
Chuck and his parents moved to Greenville, Mississippi where he graduated from Greenville High School in 1949. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and traveled by train from Memphis to San Diego for basic training. After his service, he moved to Memphis where he began working at Nabors Trailers. International Harvester soon recruited him to serve as a Territory Manager.
While calling on a dealership in Arkansas, the owner told him to take their Secretary, Sue Oldham, to lunch. They began a courtship and married on May 28, 1956. Together they made their home in Memphis, and later celebrated the birth of Charles “Chuck” V. Imbler Jr., their only child, in 1957.
In 1970, the Imbler family moved to Tupelo, MS. Chuck joined William “Bill” Beasley at Truck Center Inc., an International Truck Dealership. After Mr. Beasley’s death, Chuck became the sole owner of Truck Center. He built a new dealership and service center, which he operated for over 50 years at its current location on International Drive.
During his years as a dealer, he served as Chairman of the International Truck Dealer Council and as their President in 1974. In 1988, Chuck and a group of International Truck Dealers, a subsidiary of Navistar Inc., from across the country had a vision to start a leasing company. He demonstrated leadership and confidence in this venture by purchasing Share #1 of Idealease stock. Throughout his career, he was a leader, setting Idealease on a new course of growth and success. He served on the Idealease Board of Directors from 1988 to 2000, serving as Chairman from 1999 to 2000.
In 1995, Chuck Jr. moved home to Tupelo, and Chuck Sr. got to work alongside his best friend at the dealership until his son’s passing in 2013. Together, they were recognized as the largest truck dealer in North Mississippi. They received the Circle of Excellence Award from International Trucks for over 30 consecutive years – more than any other North American dealer. Truck Center was also recognized as Southeast IC School Bus Dealer of the Year. However, his granddaughters were most proud to claim that Truck Center provided Santa Claus and his float in the Tupelo Christmas Parade every year for decades, which continues today.
Chuck believed, “You reap what you sow, and when you’re involved in the community, you make it a better place to live for everyone.” When the Imbler family moved to Tupelo, Chuck immediately became involved in civic and community organizations. He joined the Tupelo Rotary Club in 1970, serving as President from 1982 to 1983. He and his family are each named Paul Harris Fellows by The Rotary Foundation. Chuck served on the Health Care Foundation of North MS Medical Center Board of Directors, and the CREATE Foundation Board of Directors. He established a scholarship at CREATE for his son Chuck’s memory in 2013 to benefit Tupelo Public School District. He served on the Community Federal Bank Board and later the Merchants and Farmers Bank Board for many years. He was also a member of the Community Development Foundation Board of Directors, serving as Chairman from 1989 to 1990. Chuck’s vision for the City of Tupelo is evident in the establishment of the Tupelo Coliseum, now known as Cadence Bank Arena. Chuck served as Chairman of the Coliseum Commission at its founding, leading the commission through the design, construction, and opening of the coliseum. He remained Chairman for over a decade.
Chuck and his wife Sue were faithful members of St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo. They enjoyed traveling the world with many friends from International and Idealease on company trips. They were avid Ole Miss football and basketball fans, having been season ticket holders for over 50 years. Along with friends and family, they established a scholarship in memory of Chuck Imbler Jr. at the Ole Miss Business School. When not in Oxford, Chuck and Sue enjoyed weekends on their houseboat, which he affectionately named Miss Sue.
Chuck was proceeded in death by his wife, Sue, of 65 years, and his son Chuck Imbler Jr. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Trentice Imbler, and his greatest joys, his granddaughters, Mallie Elizabeth of Arlington, VA, and Carrol Trent Imbler of Tupelo, MS.
The family wishes to thank Generations Assisted Living for loving and caring for Chuck. He leaves behind many cherished friends at Generations. The family also extends deep gratitude to his faithful caregivers: Sharon, Faye, and Gail.
Pallbearers will be Robin Haire, James Williams, Jimmy Robbins, Mitch Ellett, Dr. Joe Bailey, Jim Ingram, Jr., Mark Monts, and Chris Rogers. Honorary Pallbearers will be all employees of Truck Center, Inc. and Idealease of Tupelo. Visitation for Chuck will be in the St. James Catholic Church Sanctuary Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial, also at St. James, will be immediately following at 11:00 a.m. with Father Henry Shelton and Father Tim Murphy officiating. Interment will be at Tupelo Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. James Catholic Church or the Imbler Foundation at CREATE.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Chuck Imbler, Sr., please visit our flower store.
