HAMILTON COUNTY
Jenny Bates
Jenny Lynn Bates, 40, of Chattanooga, died Friday, March 21, 2008, peacefully at home, in her mother's arms surrounded by close friends and her three devoted kitties.
Her energy and love for life will be celebrated by her many friends and family. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and a member of St. Jude Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, John and Ruth Perruso; paternal grandparents, William B. Bates, Bill and Edna Wiseman.
Survivors include her loving mother, Terry Perruso, Chattanooga; uncles, Mike (Susan) Perruso, Chattanooga, William B. (Ann) Bates, Dayton, Tenn.; aunt, Lynn Perruso; and cousins, Michelle Perruso, Boggan and Andy Bates; great-uncle, Vaughn (Wilma) Swafford, Crossville, Tenn., and other cousins.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Jude Catholic Church with Father David Carter and Father Mike Nolan officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization of Chattanooga, Pet Placement Center, Humane Educational Society and the McKamey Animal Care & Adoption Center.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at mem.com.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153.
Georgia Bingham
Georgia Lee Bingham, 90, of Red Bank, went home to join her beloved late husband of 70 years on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.
Georgia was a longtime resident of the Chattanooga area and a former employee with Miller Bros. downtown. She was a member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil D. Bingham; parents, Tillman and Lucille Wilson; and siblings, Jack, Paul and Dorothy Jean.
Georgia is survived by her son, Charles "Ed" (Betty) Bingham; three grandchildren, Chris, Jennifer and Julie; niece, Linda (Rick) Watts and their daughter, Lindsay.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Tony Walliser and the Rev. Eddie Wilson officiating.
Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.
George Blair Sr.
George W. Blair Sr. went home to be with Lord on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the age of 86.
He was a loving husband of 62 years, a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, citizen and patriot. As husband, father and grandfather, he was someone more special than words. His love was mixed with friendship and a million favorite memories that will always last. He was a hand within your hand enfolded with love and understanding. He gave you a feeling that made you wonder what you would ever do without him and no one was loved so dearly.
He saw extensive combat as a paratrooper in World War II with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Special Forces.
He was awarded the Purple Heart, the EAME Theater ribbon with 5 bronze stars, the Distinguished Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal, to name a few.
He retired from the Electric Power Board after 29 years of service in the Chattanooga System Operations Division. He volunteered for the VA and was the Senior Volunteer Coordinator for the Chattanooga Outpatient Clinic with over 10,000 hours of service.
He was a member of the Shriners, the Scottish Rite, York Rite, the VFW Post 1289, American Legion Post 95, 40-8 Box Car Association, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the 82nd Airborne Division Association Alvin C. York Chapter.
He was preceded in death by son, Bobby Lee Blair.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine Blair; son, George Blair Jr.; daughter, Donna S. Blair; granddaughter, Samantha Kaj Blair; grandson, George W. Blair III; and other family members.
Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday at Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Rev. Billy Dean officiating.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to your church or favorite charity.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Brent Dilbeck
Brent Clifford Dilbeck, 31, of East Ridge, died Thursday, March 20, 2008, in Pittsburg, Pa.
Services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the chapel with the Rev. Marvin McClendon officiating.
Burial will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Hagen Dilbeck Trust Fund c/o Gateway Bank, 5102 Alabama Highway, Ringgold, Ga.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
The family will receive friends today from 2-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway Chapel.
Bernice Gearhart
Bernice Woolsey Gearhart, 92, of Collegedale, died Saturday, March 22, 2008, at her residence.
A member of Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church since 1946, she retired from the Catoosa County School System after many years of service. She received her bachelor of arts degree in English from SMC and also had her master's in library science, special education and English.
She was preceded in death by her husband, C.J. Gearhart.
Survivors are her daughter, Letitia Gearhart, Collegedale; sons, Joel W. (Lyndia) Gearhart, Halls, Tenn., and Jon Michael Gearhart, Marietta, Ga.; brothers, Elmo Woolsey, Arkansas and Milton Woolsey, Memphis; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor Dwight Herod officiating.
Burial will follow in the Collegedale Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
The family will receive friends today from 5-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.
Betty Gossett
Betty Joyce Morrison Gossett, our beloved mother, of Harrison, went to be with her Lord on Friday, March 21, 2008.
She was born on Dec. 19, 1932, the sixth of 10 children of the late Lawrence and Almeda Morrison, of Shellmound, Tenn.
Living the country girl life in one of the most beautiful places on earth, she left Shellmound at the tender age of 15 to marry our dad, the late Richard Frince Gossett.
We were so very blessed as her children. She never met a stranger and anyone in need was never turned away from her home. She became "Mother" to many and made all feel a part of our family. As she became older, she became "Grandmother" to all young children. She had the special gifts of service and giving. All her life she served others, sacrificing herself. No child or adult ever left our Christmas dinners without a special gift from "Granny."
She lived by this philosophy: Each day is a precious gift. Greet that day with special thanks to the Lord and live that day to the fullest, tempering all adversity with patience and humor.
Preceding her in death were her brothers, John, Jack, Tommy and Paul; and her sister, Edwina.
She will be greatly missed by her seven children, Almeda (Dale) Shockey, Richard Gossett Jr., Stephen (Carol) Gossett, Larry (Joyce) Gossett, J. Mark Gossett, all of Harrison, Elaine (Roger) Hall, of Birchwood, and Don (Suzanne) Gossett, of Nashville; sisters, Joann (Jim) LeMoine, of Norwich, N.Y., Lorene (Reagin) Warren, of Signal Mountain, Helena Gilreath, of Red Bank; and a brother, Doyle (Jo) Morrison, of Hixson. She also leaves 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who will always remember her abounding love, special hugs and countless hours of storytelling; as well as countless nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones who will miss her.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Al Miller officiating.
Interment will follow in State-line Cemetery, Shellmound, Tenn.
The family will gather with friends for visitation today from 6-8 p.m. EDT and on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation, or PACE Program at Alexian Brothers.
Share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.
Jackie Hood
Jacqueline "Jackie" Hood, 33, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, March 21, 2008, at her residence.
She was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga and Cleveland area, was a former member of the Temple Baptist Church, was a veterinarian tech and a lover of animals.
Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Cheryl and Shannon Feeney, of Red Bank; father and stepmother, Jim and Debbie Hood, of Rossville; three brothers, Jason Hood, Brandon Hood and Shane Feeney; maternal grandmother, Judy Stewart Murphy, of New Port Richey, Fla.; maternal grandfather, Thomas Jarvis, Hixson; aunt, Donna Kay Hall; two uncles, Terry Nida and Doug Nida; several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the South Crest Chapel.
Interment will follow at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.
Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Contributions may be made to the Partnerships for Families, Children and Adults at 225 E. Eighth St., Chattanooga, TN 37402.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5 p.m. until the funeral hour at 7 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.
Elizabeth Jeffries
Elizabeth Jeffries 79, of Chattanooga, was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Jeffries.
She leaves to mourn her passing four daughters, Joann, Alice, Anna and Gloria; two sons, Leon and George; sister, Clara Bryant; three brothers, Charles, Joseph and James Harris; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday March 25, 2008, at the Rueben Strickland Memorial Chapel, 1724 McCallie Ave., with the Rev. J.W. Williams officiating.
Interment: 11:30 a.m. Thursday March 27, 2008, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visitation: 6-7 p.m. today, March 24, 2008, at the chapel.
Peggy McCormick
Peggy Ann Lawson McCormick, of Chattanooga, God welcomed his Angel and our mother into Heaven to be with Him, his Son Jesus Christ and her Mom and Dad and our father on Saturday March 22, 2008.
Our Mom is now where the rivers flow peacefully and the darkness is now light, a place where no one hurts or cries, a place that is filled with love, peace and beautiful butterflies.
She was a member of the Church of God and a devout Christian who loved the Lord and her family and friends and she blessed and enriched the lives of all she met.
She was the daughter of her loving parents, Kenneth and Margie Lawson. Her husband was Herman Eugene McCormick.
She left behind her loving daughters, Yvette Ragan and Becki McCormick; Yvette's husband, Grady Ragan III; and Becki's daughters, Christian Nicole Benjamin and Erica McCormick, and loving sons, Chris McCormick and his wife, Pam and son, Kenneth and daughter, Ashley, Michael Craig McCormick and his son, Steven, David McCormick and his wife, Margie and their daughters, Barbara and Carmen and sons, D.J. and Tanner, Joshua McCormick and his daughter, Hana Rose and sons, Alex Bynum and Jarred Campbell. She had one loving sister, Glenda Giles of California and one loving brother, Donald Lawson of Georgia. She also leaves behind numerous friends and loved ones and a legacy of love and devotion to all she came in contact with.
The loving services to celebrate her life and her crossover into Heaven will be 3 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Edmond Stallings and the Rev. Timmy Barrett officiating.
She will be laid to rest with her Mom and Dad at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
God's most precious Angel is now home with him and his Glory.
The family will be welcoming visitors today from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
George Mohr Jr.
George E. Mohr Jr., 89, of Green Briar Cove in Ooltewah, died Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at his residence.
A native of New Orleans, La., he has been a resident of Ooltewah for the past 11 years and was a member of the St. Stephen Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #6099. He was retired as director of plant maintenance with the U.S. Postal Service and was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the VFW and the Reynards Social Club in Cleveland, Ohio.
He was the son of the late George E. and Naomi Boisseau Mohr Sr.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Austin Mohr.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Martiel Swain Mohr; five sons, George E. Mohr III, Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Darryl Mohr, Scottsdale, Ariz., Dr. Michael (Beverly) Mohr, Lookout Mountain, Ga., Cedric (Alisha) Mohr, Atlanta, and Dr. Brian (Celeste) Mohr, Houston, Texas; three daughters, Merle Mohr Tate, Cleveland, Ohio, Karen Mohr (Stanley) Taylor, Chattanooga, and Renee Mohr, Atlanta; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Zelda (Bennett) Cooper, Ermelda Cooper and Marie Elizabeth Mohr, all of Cincinnati, Ohio; two brothers, Russell (Lorraine) Mohr, Ocean Springs, Miss., and Donavan Mohr, Los Angeles, Calif.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Stephen Catholic Church with Father Gilbert Diaz officiating.
Interment will be in National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway.
Cindy Robinette
Cindy L. Robinette, 45, of Chattanooga, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at her home after a long illness.
As a nurse with a master's degree in health sciences administration, Cindy had a passion for helping others and was dedicated to her nursing students, family and friends. She was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Thelma and John Davies; and grandfather, Dobbie Robinette.
Cindy and her beautiful smile will be truly missed.
Survivors are her loving parents, Judie and Gary Robinette; grandmother, Helene "Nanny" Robinette; sister, Robin (Dwayne) Rankin; nieces, Charity (John) Georg, all of Grantsville, Md., Meranda Bittinger, Chattanooga, Kristian Bittinger; great niece and nephews, Brianna Bittinger, Alex and Austin Georg, all of Grantsville, Md.; her faithful pug, Sweet Pea.
Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ridgedale Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Owens officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Little Meadows Charitable Trust at www.littlemeadowslake.com or to the American Heart Association.
The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at Ridgedale Baptist Church.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.
Jonathan Robinson
Jonathan DeWayne "Bimbo" Robinson, 52, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at his residence in Baltimore, Md.
Funeral: noon today at New United Church with Pastor Paul Careathers officiating.
Burial: 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc.
Cecil Smith
Cecil Edward Smith, of Chattanooga, born July 17, 1937, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 21, 2008.
Funeral: 11:30 a.m. today at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visitation: 9-11:30 a.m. today at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.
Ron Stewart
Dennis Ronald "Ron" Stewart paddled his last river on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at his home on the campus of Baylor School in Chattanooga.
Along the way he inspired generations of all ages.
Mr. Stewart was born Oct. 25, 1949, in Natchitoches, La. Ron majored in math and physics at Tulane, won the senior physics prize and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to earn his master's degree in physics at the University of Maryland. His first teaching position was with the Maret School in Washington, D.C., instructing math and physics. Then, in 1981, he joined the faculty of Baylor School. During his 26 years at Baylor he taught math, was a baseball coach, kayak instructor, dorm parent and has been the head of Baylor's math department since 1993. His vivacious nature, his passion for learning and his dedication to his profession has shaped Baylor and thousands of young lives in a way that cannot be duplicated.
Ron was one of the nation's most prominent whitewater kayakers as both an explorer of rivers and as an advocate of the wild and scenic. He was responsible for the earliest complete runs of Cain Creek in the North Chickamauga Creek watershed, Bear Creek of Cloudland Canyon, and several others. As a past board member of both American Whitewater and the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, Ron spent many tireless years negotiating access, water releases and public land acquisition on behalf of the whitewater community and general public. Notable achievements include negotiating access to creeks on public and private land in the Southeast, helping gain water releases on Tallulah gorge in Georgia, and 15 years of tireless effort that was instrumental to the protection of thousands of acres in the North Chickamauga creek watershed near Chattanooga. His actions and writings have been chronicled in newspapers, magazines, journals and videos. In October 2007, Ron received the rarely awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Whitewater organization in recognition for his longtime dedication to the preservation and access of whitewater rivers.
Preceding him in death was his father, Q.L. Stewart; and brother, Bill Stewart.
Mr. Stewart is survived by Lorraine Peninguy Stewart, his wife of 28 years; daughter, Michelle Peninguy Stewart; son, Jeffrey Peninguy-Stewart; mother, Mollie Stewart, of Shreveport, La.; sister, Jan Taylor, of Shreveport; and nephew, Danny Harrison.
Ron shared his life adventures with many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in the chapel at Baylor School.
Mr. Stewart will be cremated in a private memorial service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Baylor Scholarship Fund.
To send the family a note of condolence, visit their guest book at www.lane-coulterchapel.com.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. today, March 24, at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.
Willie Watson Jr.
Willie H. Watson Jr., 86, went home to glory on Thursday, March 20, 2008, in Chattanooga.
He was the oldest of three children born in Chickamauga, Ga., to the late Rose and Willie H. Watson Sr. He was a World War II veteran of both the Navy and Army, retired from Wheland Foundry and was a faithful member of Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by parents, Rose Hines and Willie H. Watson Sr.; sister, Helen Spearman; brother, Larry Watson; in-laws, Jessie and Clara McFarland; daughter, Carol Ann Stallings; and grandson, Sherrod Mason III.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lucille Watson; four sons, Robert A. (Emma), Nathaniel, Willie H. Watson III and the Rev. Johnny R. (Angela) Watson Sr.; four daughters, Delores (Robert) Atkins, Claretta Mason, Saundra (Jeffery) White and Alyce (Eddie) Kitchen; 25 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Betty Watson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Service: noon Tuesday at Second Missionary Baptist Church with the Revs. Paul McDaniel and Ternae Jordan officiating. The Rev. Johnny R. Watson Sr., Eulogist.
The body will lie in state today from 1-7 p.m.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 622-9995.
Betty Westbrook
Elizabeth B. Westbrook, 80, of Chattanooga, died on Saturday, March 22, 2008.
Arrangements will be announced by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.
TENNESSEE
Paul Barker Sr.
OLD FORT -- Paul C. Barker Sr., 68, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the Athens Regional Medical Center.
He was a native of McMinn County, and had been a resident of Old Fort for the past seven years. He was a longtime member and retiree of the Local 175 of the IBEW of Chattanooga.
He was a son of the late Robert and Mary Rollins Barker and was preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary Elizabeth Baker.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda O'Leary Barker, Old Fort; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Joey Ponthier, Blackwell, Okla.; three sons and daughters-in-law, Curtis and Kim Barker. High Point, N.C., Pat and Julie Barker, Riceville, Tenn., Richard and Trudy Barker, Ponca City, Okla.; sisters and brother-in-law, Geneen and Bill Pitchford. Flint City, Mich.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby Barker, Norman and Patsy Barker, and Jerry and Sandy Barker, all of Etowah. Cherished adopted granddaughter, Christina Barker Newhouse, Ponca City, Okla.; 17 beloved and cherished grandchildren; seven beloved and cherished great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at Green Hill Cemetery with Elder Curtis Barker officiating.
Interment will be immediately following the service at Green Hill Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend this visitation or service, you may sign the guest register at www.bordwinefuneralhome.com.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, March 24, 2008, at Bordwine Funeral Home.
Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.
Margaret Howell
DAYTON -- Margaret Naomi Howell, 67, died Saturday, March 22, 2008, in Erlanger Hospital.
She went to be with her Lord. A lifelong resident of Rhea County, she was of the Church of God faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Hazel Dillard Hensley; sister, Anna Mae Sneed; two brothers, Vaughn and Ferrell Hensley.
Survivors: husband, Earl Howell; son, Steve (Sharon) Knox; daughter, Marilyn (Ted) Engel, all of Dayton, Tenn.; two brothers, Lonas Hensley, Dayton, James Leffew, Knoxville; two sisters, Helen Mitchell, Athens, Ga., Louise Clausius, Dayton; four grandchildren, Teddy Engel, Seth, Silas and Sophia Knox; several nieces and nephews.
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel of Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home with the Rev. Clyde Fitzgerald officiating.
Interment: Buttram Cemetery.
Visitation: after 4 p.m. today.
Arrangements are by Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home Inc.
Roma Mosley
DUNLAP -- Roma Parham Mosley, 87,died Saturday, March 22, 2008, in a Chattanooga hospital.
She was a member of Dunlap Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Haskell Mosley; son, Gene Mosley; sister, Ramah Mosley; and brother, Wilburn Parham.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Jean Turner (Troy) Phillips, Dalton, Ga.; grandson, Lamar (Kim) Mosley; great-grandsons, Curt and Corey Mosley, all of Dalton; brother-in-law, Fred Audley Mosley, Murfreesboro; and sister-in-law, Fidelia Parham, Maryville.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. CST Tuesday, March 25th, in Ewton Funeral Home Chapel with minister Freddie Clayton officiating.
Burial in Sequatchie County Memorial Gardens.
Visitation 6-9 p.m. today.
Online guest book - www.ewtonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Ewton Funeral Home 6936 Highway 28, Dunlap, TN 37327, (423) 949-2112.
Mike Schild II
DAYTON -- Mike Schild II, 89, sadly passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2008.
A devoted family man and proud World War II veteran, Mike was born on Nov. 2, 1918, in Dayton, Tenn. He bravely served his country in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 and fought overseas in some of the biggest battles throughout the war. Mike recorded his experiences during World War II, which were made into a booklet for his family.
After attending Rhea Central High School and Edmunson Business College, Mike and his father owned and operated M. Schild & Co., a cannery and coal, ice and icecream manufacturer. He later worked for Suburban Manufacturing Co. for 25 years as a bookkeeper and accountant.
In addition to spending time with his beloved wife of 63 years and his children and grandchildren, Mike loved to read his newspapers and keep up with current events. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the UT Vols and played basketball himself in high school.
Mike's civil service continued throughout his life, as he was always ready to help others and lead by example. He served almost 50 years on the Dayton Housing Authority Board and attended First Methodist Church, where he served as usher and treasurer for years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Lyle Schild; his parents, John Boyd Schild and Florence Edna Jewell Schild; his sister, Dorothy Rose Cheeseman; and his son-in-law, James E. "Buzz" Elkins.
All those he left behind will sorely miss his love, honor, and great sense of humor.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Martha Sue Schild Elkins, of Clinton, Tenn.; son and daughter-in-law, Mike Schild III and Gail Taylor Schild, of Chattanooga; and grandchildren, Laura Elkins, of Nashville and Chris Schild and Nicholas Schild, of Chattanooga.
Special thanks goes to the dedicated caretakers who became a big part of his life and blessed his family by their presence, Linda Woody, Sheila McCoy, Anna Garren, Janice Ray, Marsha Atha, Tricia Smith, and Mary Hickman.
Funeral services for Mr. Schild will be held 7 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Pat Davis officiating.
Graveside services with military honors will be held Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. in Rhea Memory Gardens concluding with a white dove release.
Memorials may be made in Mike's name to the Tennessee Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (TAHRA) Scholarship Fund for public housing residents at P.O. Box 846, Nashville, TN 37202.
Please share your memories with Mike's family at his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.
The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends today from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
GEORGIA
Vance Cooper
RINGGOLD -- Vance Andrew Cooper, 90, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2008, at his residence.
A lifelong resident of north Georgia, he was a member and deacon of Burning Bush Baptist Church and retired from Lookout Oil with approximately 40 years of service. In his earlier years, he resided on Barnhardt Circle and served as a maintenance man for the 6th Calvary.
Mr. Cooper was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Forgey Cooper; and son, Tommy Cooper.
Survivors include his daughter, Patti Vaughn, of Ringgold; sisters, Boots McClure, of LaFayette, and Bessie Weaver, of Ringgold; granddaughters, Shelley Cash, Rock Spring, and Brittany Galloway, Ringgold; grandson, Ben Vaughn, of Ringgold; great-granddaughters, Anna and Sarah Kate Cash, of Rock Spring; also, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Burning Bush Baptist Church with the Rev. Pat Davis, Colin Crosen, and the Rev. Dennis McNulty officiating.
Burial will follow in the Burning Bush Baptist Church Cemetery with Marty and Michael Green, Jerry, Ronnie, and Jimmy Cooper, Gene Jones, Pete Pedigo and Bernard Sims serving as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Burning Bush Baptist Church.
Visit www.lane-southcrestchapel.com to share your thoughts and memories.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37406.
The family will receive friends today from 2 - 8 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.
Rachel Knox
SUMMERVILLE -- Rachel Knox, 78, died Friday, March 21, 2008.
Survivors: husband, John Knox Jr.; son, John Knox III; daughter, Jan Hutchins; four grandchildren.
Funeral services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church.
Interment: Alpine Cemetery.
Visitation: 6-8 p.m. today at Mason Funeral Home, Summerville.
Emma Tapp
CHICKAMAUGA -- Emma "Ruth" Fouts Tapp, 68, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, March 21, 2008.
She was born in Chickamauga, Ga. to the late Vernon Lee and Della Mae Perry Fouts. She was a lifelong resident of Chickamauga and a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Chickamauga. She was a former employee of the City of Chickamauga, Lane Funeral Home and W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home. She was a former member of The Rossville Business Professional Women's Association and enjoyed helping others.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, Billy Mack Tapp; brothers, Otis Lee and James Elbert Fouts.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Curtis Guffey Jr., Karen and Andy Trusty; grandchildren, Jeff Guffey, MaryRuth and EmmaKate Trusty, all of Chickamauga; brothers and sisters-in-law, Orvil and Connie Fouts, of Chickamauga, Delbert and Katherine Fouts, of Flintstone, Ga., Linda Fouts, of Chickamauga; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008, in the chapel.
Burial will follow in Chickamauga Cemetery, Chickamauga.
The family will receive friends today from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service.
Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes - J. Avery Bryan Chapel, Chickamauga, Ga.
