Charles Mussallem III, a highly respected leader in the area rug business who also helped establish No-Muv Corp. as a top supplier of carpet padding, died on Aug. 24 due to complications from heart disease. He was 57.

A lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Fla., Mussallem was president of Mussallem Oriental Rugs and Galleries, which has been a family-run business since 1897. He also headed No-Muv Corp., a supplier of carpet and rug padding that manufactures product in Dalton, Ga., using recycled waste yarn. In his duel capacity as a marketer of fine rugs and a manufacturer of padding products, Mussallem is widely credited with elevating the area rug segment and helping consumers optimize the look and performance of their investment.   

Mussallem was highly active in his local community, devoting himself to expanding the economy by developing international trade opportunities. He served on the Jacksonville Port Authority, Zoning and Planning Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, the International Relations and Marketing Development Commission, the North Florida Regional International Affairs Commission, and the Industry Sector Advisory Committee on Textiles & Apparel. He also served on the board of trustees of Jacksonville University and the board of the Florida Community College at Jacksonville Foundation.

His appreciation for the beauty and artistry of Oriental rugs inspired him to gather some of the finest examples he could find and create a one-of-a-kind gallery exhibit. After about 18 months, a collection of 36 rugs was assembled and exhibited called “Kings, Heroes and Nomads” in 1983. He also wanted to share the core beliefs that defined his life. In 2002, he published a book titledAbout Life, A Philosophy of Living.  

Mussallem is predeceased by his parents, Charles S. Mussallem, Jr. and Marie Hero Mussallem. He is survived by his wife, Dawn M. Mussallem; seven children, Tori Mussallem, Anna Mussallem, Cristina Mussallem Haddad (Michael), Charles Mussallem IV, Michael Mussallem, Cecelia Mussallem and Sophia Mussallem; and siblings, Rosemarie D'Amour, Joanne Herro, Linda Herro (Kahlil), James Mussallem (Kristi) and Marlene Jabour (Jay).

Services were held in Jacksonville at Assumption Catholic Church Aug. 26, followed by a burial at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Charles S. Mussallem III Memorial Fund, 5801 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, Fla., 32216.