JACKSONVILLE, FLA.—Charles Mussallem III, a larger-than-life figure in the industry who brought his family’s Oriental rug business to new heights of popularity and prosperity, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 24. He was 57 and had a history of heart disease.

Known for his zestful love of life and family, Mussallem was the long-time president of carpet cushion and underlayment manufacturer No-Muv, as well as president of Mussallem Oriental Rugs & Galleries, an institution in Florida since being founded by his grandfather in 1897.

Born in Jacksonville, Mussallem graduated from Bishop Kenny High School and studied at the University of Florida. In addition to helping build the family business into one of the country’s best-known area rug dealers, Mussallem also served the Jacksonville community in areas designed to develop the city’s potential in international trade.

He was on the Jacksonville Port Authority, the Jacksonville Zoning and Planning Commission, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the International Relations and Marketing Development Commission, the mayor’s Economic Development Council and the Industry Sector Advisory Committee on Textiles/Apparel for Trade Policy Matters.

Mussallem also served on the board of trustees of Jacksonville University and the board of the Florida Community College at Jacksonville Foundation, serving as chairman of its Artist Series for three years.

He was a strong believer in sharing the beauty and artistry of Oriental rugs with the public as evidenced by the collection of rugs he spent a year-and-a-half putting together in 1983 for a gallery exhibit called Kings, Heroes and Nomads.

Chris Davis, president and CEO of the World Floor Covering Association, said, “Everything about Charlie was giant, particularly his heart. He was dedicated to his family and friends and would do anything and everything for them. I’ve never met anyone more generous with his time, talent and money. He was a brilliant businessman with the Midas touch in every endeavor he took on, be it rugs, fine art, upscale carpet cushion, event planning or catering.

“Charlie and I had a deep respect and belief in each other,” Davis continued. “He was more fun to be around than anyone ever should be, a master showman and promoter.

“The floor covering industry and the world has lost a giant player,” he added. “I’m blessed I got to know and experience all that was Charlie, and feel cheated he’s gone. I, and many, many others are really going to miss him.”

Terry Gray, senior vice president of marketing for NRF Distributors, said, “Charles was a pioneer in the synthetic business. We were involved in the hair and jute market. No one put on classier events. He loved people for who they were and accepted mistakes. He loved his entire family. He made everyone laugh all the time; he found fun in all he touched. Whenever you needed to know the appropriate thing to say, he provided the words. He will never be forgotten.”

Robert Zakian, president of the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA), stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mussallem family at this tragic time. Charles and his father are legends in our industry. Their support of the Oriental rug industry and ORRA is unsurpassed. On behalf of the entire ORRA family, [we express] our deepest sympathy.”

According to his brother-in-law, Mussallem’s most valued and precious possessions were the members of his family. “Charles was very proud of his children and all they accomplished,” said Jay Jabour. “Two of his sons work in the industry with him, part of the fourth-generation in the family-owned business.

“And he truly loved Jacksonville,” he added, “and enjoyed watching it develop its potential. He enjoyed life and never had any regrets.”

In 2002, Mussallem published “About Life: A Philosophy of Living,” a reflection of his thoughts on living. His advice was to relax, figure out who you are, take control of your life and then live that life to the fullest. In the book he also chronicled his battle with his weight. Heavy all his life, Mussallem went from 420 lbs. to 220 lbs. in seven months.

“As depicted in my brother’s book,” James Mussallem said, “Charles always said one should give his orange. However, my brother Charles not only gave his orange, but he gave the entire orange grove.”

Mussallem’s father, Charles S. “Johnny” Mussallem Jr., who built Mussallem Oriental Rugs and Galleries into one of the nation’s best-known fine rug dealers, died in 2007.

Charles Mussallem is survived by his wife, Dawn; seven children, Tori, Anna, Christina Mussallem Haddad, Charles IV, Michael, Cecelia and Sophia; his brother, James, and four sisters, Rosemarie D’Amour, Linda Herro and Marlene Jabour, all of Jacksonville, and Joanne Herro of Phoenix.

Memorials may be made to the Charles S. Mussallem III Memorial Fund, 5801 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32216.