Knoxville TN, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville will honor the late Charlie Tombras, a revered advertising figure and community leader, on October 14, 2025. The event will include talks from notable speakers, reflecting on his significant contributions to advertising and community engagement. Tombras’s legacy also includes the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Tennessee, aimed at supporting underrepresented students. The celebration coincides with additional community events, underscoring Tombras’s impact on both his industry and the Knoxville community.
Knoxville, TN is set to host a posthumous celebration for Charlie Tombras, a prominent figure in advertising and community engagement, on October 14, 2025. Tombras, who passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 83, was known for his leadership at the Tombras Group, which was recognized by Ad Age in 2025 as Advertising Agency of the Year.
The event will feature notable speakers including Dooley Tombras and Dr. Warren Dockter, who will discuss his significant contributions to both the advertising industry and the community. Tombras’s career spanned 57 years at the helm of the Tombras Group, a major agency with a workforce of 475 employees and offices in various locations including New York, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Charlie Tombras, a lifelong resident of the Smokies, developed a passion for nature and fly fishing, which he beautifully recounted in his memoir, From Out of the Smokies: Stories of Fly Fishing and Life. His book reflects on adventures over eight decades and the essential lessons of friendship, loss, and love.
In addition to his successful advertising career, Tombras was committed to giving back to the community. In 2022, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This program aims to support underrepresented students pursuing careers in advertising and public relations. He is remembered by many as “larger than life” and an archetype to inspire others.
In conjunction with this tribute, Knoxville will also host several other community-focused events. These include a jazz and soul concert series by Kelle Jolly and Will Boyd at the YMI Cultural Center in Asheville, NC, and a memorial event by the Knoxville Jewish Alliance honoring those lost on October 7, 2023, scheduled for October 16. Additionally, Vallie Collins, a survivor of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” will be speaking on October 19, while the Olde Concord Fall Festival and Corryton Possum Chase is set for October 25.
In related news, Lois Russell, a respected educator and community leader, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 101. Russell held a notable career at Knoxville College and was heavily involved in community service, creating numerous opportunities for students. Her services will take place on October 18 at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Knoxville.
The community is also invited to join an ETHC program at the Inskip Grill today, where dinner will be optional, encouraging participation within the local community.
Upcoming Event Details
- Event: Celebration of Charlie Tombras’s Legacy
- Date: October 14, 2025
- Speakers: Dooley Tombras, Dr. Warren Dockter
Other Notable Community Events
- Jazz and Soul Concert Series: October 14, 2025
- Memorial Honoring Losses: October 16, 2023
- Vallie Collins Speaking Event: October 19, 2023
- Olde Concord Fall Festival and Corryton Possum Chase: October 25, 2023
Background on Charlie Tombras
Charlie Tombras was not only a leading advertising executive but also a mentor and advocate for education, particularly among underrepresented students. His deep-rooted connection to the Smokies influenced his life and work profoundly. During his tenure, he shaped the landscape of the advertising industry and inspired many through his personal stories and community initiatives.
FAQ
What event is taking place on October 14, 2025?
A posthumous celebration for Charlie Tombras is scheduled for October 14, 2025.
Who are the speakers at the celebration event?
Speakers at the event include Dooley Tombras and Dr. Warren Dockter.
What recognition did Charlie Tombras receive in 2025?
He was recognized in 2025 as Ad Age’s Advertising Agency of the Year.
What was Charlie Tombras’s contribution to education?
He contributed to the establishment of the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, aimed at supporting underrepresented students.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Posthumous celebration |
| Date | October 14, 2025 |
| Speakers | Dooley Tombras, Dr. Warren Dockter |
| Legacy Focus | Advertising and community engagement |
| Memorials | Various community events |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville’s Tombras Expands Internationally with Acquisition of Argentine Agency Niña
Knoxville’s Tombras Expands Globally with Acquisition of Buenos Aires Firm Niña
Knoxville Agency Tombras Expands Globally with Acquisition of Niña in Buenos Aires
Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia
- Ad Age
- Google Search: Charlie Tombras
- WBIR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlie Tombras
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
