Charles R. Chamberlain

Charles “Charlie” Raymond Chamberlain Jr., age 85, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023, in Bellaire, MI at Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility. Charlie was born on November 3, 1937, in Highland Park, MI to the late Charles Raymond and Mary Audrey (Curran) Chamberlain, Sr. He married the love of his life Joan Helen Latimer, on March 2, 1957, in Royal Oak, MI. Charlie was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was an ambitious, hard-working entrepreneur, always looking for the golden opportunity. Beginning in Detroit, with multiple Standard Oil gas stations. He later moved north to Traverse City in 1970 to operate a snowmobile store, Chuck’s Sport Shop, which later evolved into a pinball arcade, The Robin’s Nest. A literal turnkey, at Gladwill’s on Front Street, became his first restaurant in 1975, Charlie’s Basket. That led to opening of Charlie’s Deli, in the brand new Cherryland Mall in 1978, and then, in 1980, he opened Chamberlain’s Restaurant on Garfield Avenue. Later, Downtown Charlie’s opened across from the Holiday Inn. After some years of living in Florida, Charlie and Joni returned to downtown Traverse City to open Charlie’s Deli, and last but not least, the most profitable food operation of all, Charlie’s Last Stand, a hot dog concession at Home Depot in his later years. Charlie lived in Traverse City most of his life and enjoyed singing with the Cherry Capital Men’s Barbershop Chorus. Charlie is survived by his children, Robin (Stephen) Nance of Traverse City, MI, Randy (Mari) Chamberlain of Traverse City, MI, and Brian Chamberlain of Jackson, TN., his six grandchildren; Andrew Nance, Emma Nance, Brandon Chamberlain, Logan (Jamie) Chamberlain, Maggie Chamberlain and Charles Raymond “Chanse” Chamberlain, V, and a great-grandchild, Tula Chamberlain. Also surviving are his half siblings; Susan Audrey Roberts, Lawrence Gerald Levin, Donnie Levin, and Sandy Taylor as well as a daughter-in-law, Dallas Chamberlain. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Joan “Joni” Chamberlain in 2015, son Charles “Chas” Raymond Chamberlain, IV in 2008, grandchild Evan Porter Nance in 1994 and sister Mary Catherine Houston in 1987. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff of Meadowbrook and a special friend, Linda Scott for their care and compassion for Charlie. A private family graveside service will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686. 231-946-5116. Charlie was a lover of all animals, especially his beloved Toby. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Charlie’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Charles R. Chamberlain

November 3, 1937 - June 19, 2023