Charles "Chuck" Rau

Charles “Chuck” Rau, age 80, husband of Fiona Frances Rau, and a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, at his residence. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Rick Points officiating. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Born on March 3, 1944, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Chuck was the son of the late Lawrence Edward Rau and the late Bertha Faye Rau. On July 25, 1964, he married Fiona, beginning a lifelong partnership of love and service.

Chuck earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Arizona State University and pursued a multifaceted career that reflected his passion for helping others. He served as a registered nurse, correctional officer, firefighter, EMT, and educator at Puerco Elementary School in Arizona. He also dedicated his skills to teaching as an ambulance and EMS instructor. A man of deep faith, Chuck committed much of his life to missionary work. He served as a preacher at Goodnews Mission Navajo Reservation and Sander Bible Mission and as a deacon at Sandish Bible Mission. Chuck was a member of Williamsport Baptist Church. 

An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Chuck found joy in competitive shooting and fishing. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, a Range Master, a single-action competitive shooter, and a proud member of the Eagle Scout Order of the Arrow.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph Michael Rau of Auburndale, FL, daughters, Fiona Michelle Suarez of Lawrenceburg, TN, Natalia Monique Wood of Lawrenceburg, TN, grandchildren, Gilbert Michael Suarez, Andrea Michelle Suarez, Tianna Monique Wood, Tyler Earl Wood, Gianna D. Suarez, and great grandchildren, Scarlette A. Wood and Liam Michael Suarez. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Rau.