Family and friends remember Buckhead businessman Charlie Loudermilk

ATLANTA — Along Peachtree Road in the middle of Buckhead, there’s a statue of the man who helped make Buckhead.

“Lots of surprises, but always fun. But fun meant work,” daughter Lisa Loudermilk deGolian said.

His children will tell you nobody worked harder than Charlie Loudermilk.

The self-made millionaire started with nothing.

Loudermilk was the founder of the giant Aaron’s furniture and electronics rental chain.

He passed away last month at the age of 95.

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“I think Charlie Loudermilk was the personification of The Atlanta Way,” former Channel 2 anchor John Pruitt said.

Pruitt described it as consensus-building. It was never more powerful than in the early 1980s, when the Buckhead businessman supported civil rights leader Andrew Young for mayor of Atlanta.

“Here was a man who loved life and loved people,” Young said.

The former mayor and United States ambassador delivered the eulogy at Loudermilk’s memorial service Thursday, celebrating his life and legacy.

His children say it’s actually easy to sum up.

“Just do the right thing. That’s the major thing he taught us in business and in life. Do the right thing. Be honest and do the right thing,” son Robin Loudermilk said.

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