Christopher D. Ousley, age 63, of McMinnville, TN died Thursday, October 24, 2024. He was born in Charlotte, NC and was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years, Diane, and his father Don.
Survivors include his mother Marilyn Ousley, his brother Jeff Ousley, and his sister Ronni Ousley, all of St Augustine, FL. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Lucky-Marie who will continue to be cared for and loved. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law Cindy (Carl) Nagle, Reggie (Tony) Manikas, and Stacy Bubb as well as many other family members and friends.
Chris was a painter, and studied at Harris School of Art in Franklin, TN. He began his career as a
graphic artist for The Berry Group in Nashville where he worked for many years and was a
cartoonist for In Review. He was talented in many different mediums. Most recently he had been
painting watercolor landscapes of McMinnville and surrounding areas. His use of color was
widely admired and breathtakingly beautiful. Chris also had a great love of music and played
keyboards. He taught himself to play by ear as a teenager and then decided to take piano lessons.
Chris also loved martial arts, reading, military history, and was becoming proficient in speaking
Russian and Ukrainian to better communicate with his many friends all over the world.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 1st at 1 pm at Christ Chapel in McMinnville.
Pastor Sommer Worley will officiate. A meal will be served afterward.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you visit your local art museum and think of Chris and the beautiful
work he created. You may also donate to your local no kill animal shelter or towards arts
education in schools.
We will forever love you, Chris. May there always be a paintbrush in your hand and a piano nearby.
