A Tribute to the Life of Charles D. Peelle: A Naval Hero
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The Journey of a Naval Officer
Join us as we explore the life of a dedicated naval officer who served during the Vietnam War. These memoirs recount the experiences of Charles D. Peelle, who spent a year stationed off Vietnam's coast. Hailing from Richmond, Indiana, Peelle graduated from Northwestern University and had a deep affinity for the Cincinnati Reds and Indiana University Hoosiers, along with a passion for tennis. He admired his father, Charles Taylor White Peelle, despite the complexities in their relationship due to their strong personalities. His mother, Evelyn, held a special place in his heart, as did his siblings, Deborah, Frederick, and Sarah, along with his cherished friends Roy Bickel and Aunt Carolyn.
Peelle devoted much of his time outside work to fatherhood, nurturing his boys while maintaining his love for sports and golf. He rapidly advanced in the restaurant industry, managing an Arby’s where he met his future wife, Marilyn Welborn. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, eventually taking on a role in a small manufacturing firm and later transitioning into finance and small business finance.
A Son's Reflection
Good afternoon, I’m Graham Peelle. I sincerely appreciate everyone gathering here today to celebrate my father, Charles Douglas Peelle. He was not just my father but also my mentor, and I was affectionately called his "bud." He took immense pride in my brother and me.
For years, I struggled to understand my dad. I often viewed him as overly trusting and too accommodating, which sometimes exasperated my mother. However, after his passing, I’ve come to realize that he embodied a belief in the inherent goodness of people. He championed integrity, love, and friendship. While he wasn't deeply religious, he possessed a profound faith that grew throughout his life.
Reflecting on my father’s influence, I recognize how significantly he shaped my character. Like many children, I idolized him, but I hadn’t fully appreciated how much his values impacted me. Here are a few principles he instilled in me:
- Let your work speak for itself.
- Commit to hard work.
- As a leader, prioritize your people.
- Enjoy life—after all, you only live once.
- Love with depth.
From him, I inherited a passion for business, starting with my reading of Business Week at age 14, along with a love for making a difference and a sense of humor. However, I missed out on his musical abilities—I have no talent for singing or poetry. I didn’t share his taste for anchovies, sardines, or olives, although I enjoy many unique foods. Golf skills? Not inherited, though I love to play. I’m not one to seek the spotlight, yet I often find myself in that position at work, and his fondness for red cars didn’t pass to me either.
Two Stories of Impact
Let me share two anecdotes that illustrate my father’s influence:
- One of my fondest childhood memories was when I was around 10 or 11. My dad led a group of Pizza Hut franchises and invited me to join him on the road to inspect them. We traveled along the backroads of southern Indiana, visiting places like Brazil and Scottsburg. I became his co-pilot, enjoying pepperoni pizza and spaghetti with meat sauce along the way. Witnessing the respect his team had for him and his genuine care for them made a lasting impression on me. This experience taught me the importance of leadership and nurturing those around you.
- When I was 12, my dad took on a leadership role at Control Panel Corp in Yorktown, close to Muncie. Despite the demands of his new job, he made it a priority to attend my baseball games. I vividly recall him making the two-hour drive mid-week just to catch my games, even coaching me as if he was down the street. His commitment to being present in my life, despite the distance, exemplified his dedication as a father.
There are countless examples of my dad’s devotion to being a loving parent. He always prioritized his boys, striving to provide us with a better life than he had. His experiences motivated him, and he genuinely respected the past while working towards a brighter future. This week has been incredibly moving, revealing the depth of love and friendship he inspired in others.
Thank you all for being here today and sharing in this moment. Your support means everything to me and my family. Rest in peace, Dad.