Charles Earnest McIllwain, Sr., age 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, after losing his fight with Covid-19. He was surrounded by loved ones, including Judy Lyann (Hughes) McIllwain, his wife of 49 years, whom he cherished with all his heart since even before their marriage on May 24, 1972.

Charlie was born July 28, 1942, in Hickory Ridge, to Earnest Grover McIllwain and Emma Ilean (Garrett) McIllwain. He grew up in Fisher, graduated from Weiner High School, Class of 1960, and attended ASU and UALR.

Charlie was a true American success story: from the poverty of Cross County, in the 1940's to graduating from the School of Hard Knocks, he went on to become a successful entrepreneur and an avid collector.  Known fondly to those in the community and surrounding areas as "Good Deal Charlie", he and Judy moved to Pope County in 1977 and opened up the retail furniture store which still thrives today as part of a 50+ location chain which stretches to over 18 states.

Charlie McIllwain LIVED! He soaked up everything life had to offer. Always excited to take action, he was hardworking, selfless, humble, kind, and genuine to every man, woman, and child he encountered.  He made people truly feel special and he gained much joy from his interactions with people.

He loved hosting gatherings with friends and family groups at his "Playhouse" — "Charlie's Diner".  Such groups and gatherings included the Valley Antique Automobile Club (of which he served as President) parties which blared with 50's & 60's Rock & Roll, First Baptist Church Life Group fellowships with shuffleboard, bowling, and movies, birthday parties for granddaughters and others, Scrapbooking "Crops" for Judy and her gang, and Sweet Old Buzzards (SOB's) weekly Monday morning meetings with dominos clanging and old car YouTube shows on the big screen - just to name a few!

He loved interacting with people each and every day.  He was a fervorous giver of his time and energy to those he loved, always quickly tackling tasks, to-dos, or anything anyone needed including world class grand-babysitting!

Charlie enjoyed traveling with car club buddies driving old cars to all parts of the country to take in Americana.  Charlie was always in search of a "good deal", be it furniture, Americana memorabilia, or antique automobiles at museums, shows, or auctions.  He was also an enthusiastic member of the Arkansas Razorbacks Road Hogs in Fayetteville for game day tailgates with family and friends.

Many people consider Charlie a close friend because he made people feel good about themselves and he was genuinely interested in them.  He is an inspiration to many due to the way he treated and cared for people but also because he was just so successful at life.  What a life he LIVED!

He was predeceased in death by his father, who died as an Army Medic in France in World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Judy McIllwain of Russellville; mother, Emma Lemley of Russellville; his three sons, Charles Earnest McIllwain, Jr. (Donna) of Russellville, Frank Olan McIllwain (Nancy) of Frisco, TX, and Jonathan Lane McIllwain (Emily) of Russellville; a brother, Michael Lee Carpenter (Sharon) of Salem; his grandchildren, Charles Earnest McIllwain, III (Hatley) of Russellville, Taylor and Lauren McIllwain of Frisco, TX, and Molly and Clara McIllwain of Russellville; and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Russellville with Bill Moody and the Rev. Keith Shipley officiating.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00-6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Central Baptist College in Conway online at https://www.cbc.edu/give

Pallbearers will be Kevin Carpenter, Kole Carpenter, Doyle Adams, Larry McCollum, Joe Donaldson, and Gary Denton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Charles Brown and Charles Johnson.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.