# R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr.

> Robert Charles “Charlie” Loudermilk Sr. (1927-2022) founded Aaron Rents in Atlanta in 1955 and led the business that became Aaron’s. He also supported Andrew Young’s mayoral campaign, chaired MARTA’s board, restored the Buckhead Theatre, supported UNC, and endowed the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Debate Series.

- **Role:** Entrepreneur, business executive, and philanthropist
- **Organizations:** Aaron Rents / Aaron’s, Inc., MARTA, Buckhead Coalition, Atlanta Press Club, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- **From:** Atlanta, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** North Fulton High School, Georgia Institute of Technology, Commerce degree, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- **Known for:** Built Aaron Rents from a local rental operation into a publicly traded retailer operating in the United States and Canada., Council for Quality Growth Four Pillar Award, 2011., William R. Davie Award from UNC’s Board of Trustees.

## Career timeline

- **1950** — Graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a commerce degree.
- **1955** — Founded Aaron Rents in Atlanta with a $500 loan and folding-chair rentals.
- **1981** — Co-chaired Andrew Young’s successful Atlanta mayoral campaign.
- **1982** — Aaron Rents became publicly traded.
- **mid-1980s** — Chaired MARTA’s board.
- **2008** — Concluded his tenure as CEO; remained chairman.
- **2011** — Pledged $1 million to endow the Atlanta Press Club’s political debate series; received the Four Pillar Award.
- **2012** — Retired September 14 after 57 years; named chairman emeritus.
- **2022** — Died August 3 at age 95.

## Achievements

- Built Aaron Rents from a local rental operation into a publicly traded retailer operating in the United States and Canada.
- Council for Quality Growth Four Pillar Award, 2011.
- William R. Davie Award from UNC’s Board of Trustees.
- Georgia Trend Most Influential Hall of Fame, 2013.
- Endowed the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Debate Series.
- Helped restore the Buckhead Theatre and supported university academic and athletic facilities.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — The Atlanta Press Club continues the Loudermilk-Young Debate Series for the 2026 elections and credits the Robert Charles Loudermilk Sr. Foundation among its funders.
- **2022-09** — Andrew Young delivered the eulogy at Loudermilk’s September 8 memorial service.
- **2022-08** — Loudermilk died August 3 at age 95.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/charles-loudermilk
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-20