Charles R. Auchmutey, Jr.

Charles Robert Auchmutey, Jr., 86, of Decatur, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007 of complications from emphysema at Wesley Woods at Emory University. Mr. Auchmutey grew up during the Depression on a farm outside Euharlee, Ga., in the Etowah River Valley. He left home to work his way through Berry College, where he starred on the basketball team and met his future wife, Janey Estelle Yarbrough of Washington County, Ga. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and went to midshipman school at Columbia University in New York. He served a 23-month tour of duty in the Pacific during World War II, leading amphibious landing assaults and taking part in nine major battles from Guam to Okinawa. After the war, Mr. Auchmutey married and settled in Atlanta, where he and his wife raised four children. He worked for 36 years as an auditor at the General Motors plant in Lakewood. He was active in his sons' Little League, in his daughters' softball league, in Junior Achievement and other civic organizations. He was a member of Midway Presbyterian Church in Decatur for more than half a century, serving as elder and clerk of session and as a commissioner to the denomination's General Assembly. He was an accomplished gardener who fussed over his tomatoes and an avid cook who enjoyed organizing Fourth of July barbecues at his last home in the Williamsburg Apartments. His recipe for authentic Georgia Brunswick stew was published several times in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and in cookbooks. Mr. Auchmutey is survived by his children, Charles Robert Auchmutey, III of Acworth, Jim Auchmutey of Atlanta, Dawn Brooks of Columbus and Susan Auchmutey of Stone Mountain; by three grandchildren, Benjamin Brooks, Simon Brooks and Marisa Nease; and by his sister, Margaret Kilpatrick of Jacksonville, Fla. His wife of 54 years, Janey, died in 2001. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7 to 9 at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur. Funeral services will be held Friday at 12 Noon at Midway Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow at Midway Presbyterian Churchyard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Midway Presbyterian Church, 3363 Midway Rd., Decatur, GA  30032.  A. S. Turner & Sons