HAMILTON COUNTY
Floyd Barrow Jr.
Floyd Phillip Barrow Jr. passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in a local health care facility.
Arrangements will be announced by J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home, 1914 McCallie Ave., 423-266-2131.
Durwood Buckner
Avery Durwood Buckner, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
He was born in Shady Dale, Ga., to the late Edgar Harrison and Emma Ethel Buckner. Durwood served in the Navy during WWII, retired from Southern Railway after 44 years of service and attended Red Bank Church of Christ. He was a member the Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge 169.
Durwood was also preceded in death by his sisters, Edith (Warren) Smith, Sue (Arthur) Ellis and Elizabeth Louise Buckner; brother, Harry (Elaine) Buckner; granddaughter, Amanda Buckner.
Survivors include his wife, Jane Hunt Buckner; sons, Larry Buckner, of Soddy-Daisy and Tim (Jill) Buckner, of Hixson; sister, Eunice Buckner Cathy, of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Cody Buckner, Trevor Buckner, Sydney Buckner and Blake Buckner; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace with Minister Steve Lusk officiating.
Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416, or Martin Boyd Christian Home, 6845 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.
Parker Carroll
Parker Lynn Carroll, 87, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 23, 2010.
Parker, a devoted husband, father and friend, is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edna Louise; two children, daughter, Patricia Lynn Nail and her husband, Bill Nail, and son, Parker Craig Carroll; two grandchildren, Heather Elizabeth Aulbert and husband, Jon Aulbert, Wesley Parker Nail and wife, Angela Nail; and three great-grandchildren, Emma Kaitlyn Nail, Madeline Elizabeth Aulbert and Jamie Lynn Aulbert.
Parker's working career included employment with the Army Depot in Memphis and the U.S. Geological Survey. After thirty plus years working for federal services, Parker retired from the Johnson Space Center of Houston, Texas in 1978. He and his wife moved to Chattanooga in 1979 where he practiced law for many years until he retired from total employment.
Parker was a Deacon of First Baptist Church, Golden Gateway, of Chattanooga and taught the Seeker Sunday School Class there. He was a member of the Retired Federal Employees Association.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today, May 27, at the North Chapel.
Services for Mr. Carroll will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the North Chapel.
Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.
Dustin Copeland
Brian Dustin Copeland, 22, of Hixson, went home to be with his mother on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.
Dustin was a native of Huntsville, Ala. and attended Berean Academy. He was a member of the Young Farmers and Ranchers, Chattanooga Chapter and loved wildlife. Dustin was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gena Marie Copeland.
Dustin is survived by his sister, Savannah Marie Graham; his parents, John W. and Mogia Marie Muse Graham; and a grandmother, Emma Lou Copeland, Scottsboro, Ala.; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the North Chapel.
Graveside services for Dustin will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Resaca Church of Christ Cemetery, Resaca, Ga., with Rev. Lamar Goble officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dustin's name to Young Farmers and Ranchers, 6183 Adamson Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37416.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.
Rev. Arthur Eberhardt
Rev. Arthur J. Eberhardt, formerly of Chattanooga, died in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, May 14, 2010.
He was a former member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in San Francisco and is a former pastor at St. Elmo Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Dr. Albirda Eberhardt, of San Francisco; seven children, seven grandchildren; Chattanooga relatives include his aunt, Arie Harris; cousins, Juanita Johnson Holloway, Bettye J. Holloway, Joan F. Eberhardt, Paul Eberhardt Jr., Gail Eberhardt and Anthony Dixon; a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at St. Paul Tabernacle Baptist Church in San Francisco.
Courtesy announcement by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.
Mary Elder
Mary Eliza Dave Elder, 87, departed this life on Friday, May 21, 2010.
She was a faithful member of Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Elder Sr.; sister, Nellie S. Brown; five brothers, John Allen, Willie, Fred, Anderson and Edward Dave; two children, John B. Elder Jr. and Lavada Elder Brown.
Survivors include her five children, Johnnie Jones, Alice M McGowan, Allie Elder, Villanueva Elder and William Elder; 12 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.
Services will be held at noon on Friday, May 28, 2010, at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Harold K. Lester officiating.
Interment in National Cemetery.
The body will lie in state after noon today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.
Sheryl Fitzgerald
Sheryl Fitzgerald, 63, of Ooltewah, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at her residence.
Arrangements will be announced by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 7414 Old Lee Hwy.
Robert Ford
Robert C. "Bob" Ford, 82, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
Bob lived most of his life in Chattanooga, and worked for many years in the engraving departments of the Chattanooga Times and the Chattanooga News Free Press before retiring in 1992. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Nell Johnson Ford; daughter, Karen Ford Eickhoff and son-in-law, Hank Eickhoff; sister, Peggye Ford; brother, Rex Ford (Peggy); brother-in-law, Dr. Tom Davis; several nieces and nephews; and special family friend, Clarice Brackett.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday May 28 at the East Brainerd Chapel.
Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today May 27, and from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, May 28, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6221 Shallowford Road, Suite 102, Chattanooga, 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road.
Earl Gaddis
Earl Kenneth Gaddis, 75, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at his home.
He was the son of the late James and Ada Gaddis.
He was a member of Bayside Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Earl retired as manager of General Tire Service in Chattanooga.
He was a member of the Harrison Masonic Lodge 114 F&AM and was an avid golfer.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy Gaddis; son, Kenneth Gaddis, of Chattanooga; daughter, Cynthia Young, of Ooltewah; two grandsons, Jason (Cori) Young, Lance Brock; and two great-grandchidren, Cadence Young and Fischer Young.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Les Fauntleroy officiating.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
A special thanks to Dr. Kodsi, Dr. Johnson and the staff of Amedysis Hospice, especially Debra Scott.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Siskin Hospital or to the charity of one's choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.mem.com.
Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway.
James Goins
James W. Goins went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. He passed away in his Chattanooga home surrounded by his family. He was 93.
He was born May 17, 1917.
He was an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a member of The Revival Worship Center. He was a very talented musician, artist and craftsman. His passion was playing his guitar and banjo. He loved going to flea markets and yard sales. His career included Cavalier, Chris Craft Boat Company and Camboli Memorial.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Viola Goins; sons, Ralph (Diane), Edward (Janet), Arnold (Linda), Jimmy (Donna) and Benny (Kandy) Goins. Daughters Carolyn (Claude) Sims and Angela (Randy) Fields. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held today, May 27, from 1 to 8 p.m. at J. Avery Bryan. Service in the chapel on Friday, May 28, at 1 p.m.
Graveside service to follow at White Oak Memorial Park.
Service will be officiated by Rev. William T. Goins accompanied by Rev. Brenda Woods.
Arrangements are under the direction of J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home, 1914 McCallie Ave., 423-266-2131 www.javery bryan.com.
Michael Haggard
Michael Ray Haggard, 25, Hixson, passed away Monday, May 24, 2010.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He will be greatly missed by his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Don Haggard, on March 26, 2010.
Survivors include his daughter, Amylou Gray Haggard; mother, Jill A. Martin; sisters, Natasha Martin, Carolyn Martin-Lanham and April Haggard; brother, John Martin; and grandparents, Betty Hodge and Mickey Harris; companion, Kristin Gray; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be from 10 to 1 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home with minister Tommy Stone officiating.
Interment at Lusk Cemetery, Prentiss Cooper.
Michael Haggard
Michael Ray Haggard, 25, Hixson, passed away Monday, May 24, 2010.
Survivors include his daughter, Amylou Gray Haggard; mother, Jill A. Martin; sisters: Natasha Martin, Carolyn Martin-Lanham and April Haggard; brother, John Martin; grandparents, Betty Hodge and Mickey Harris.
Funeral service is 1 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home with Minister Tommy Stone officiating.
Visitation is 10-1 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.
Raymond Hill
Raymond H. "Randy" Hill joined the Lord Wednesday, May 19, 2010, on his 62nd birthday.
He was a Green Beret Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star during the Vietnam war.
His father was the late Raymond Hill. His mother was the late Betty Proctor Hill.
He is survived by two daughters, Alexis and Jessica Hill, and their mother, Elizabeth Hill Faint, all of Orlando, Fla.; his sister, Rhonda Adcock, and his aunt, Bonnie Tate reside in Chattanooga; his stepbrother, John T. Bigley III, resides in Virginia.
May your generosity live on through all who knew your loving, kindness. You will always be remembered.
Marian Horton
Marian Horton, 81, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at a local healthcare facility.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9996.
Willie Irwin
Willie "Cowboy" Francis Irwin, 95, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
Mr. Irwin was born in Crews, Texas, and came to Chattanooga in 1966 working in construction, plumbing and pipefitting. He retired from TVA at Bellefonte Nuclear Plant.
He was a member of First Centenary United Methodist Church, Brainerd Hills Baptist Church and Christ United Methodist Church. He was also a graduate of Seminole Texas High School Class of 1935.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lena Irwin; and stepson, Benjamin Smith.
He is survived by sons, Eddie Irwin, Chattanooga, Dennis and Gerry Irwin, Tucson, Ariz.; stepson, Robert Smith, Eufaula, Ala.; stepdaughters, Inda Echart, Chattanooga, and Ann Fortson, Chattanooga; several grandchildren; and special friends and caregivers, Kathy Stephens and Nancy Henry.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, and one hour prior the funeral service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2010 at the funeral home with the Rev. Don Allison officiating.
Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hixson.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Building Fund (8645 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421).
Please share your thoughts and condolences at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.
Charlene Koory
Charlene Marie Koory, 41, of Chattanooga, died suddenly on Friday, May 21, 2010.
She graduated from Bearden High School, Knoxville, 1986, Chattanooga State 1993 (AS- Interpreter for the Deaf), and UT Knoxville 1995 (BA- Speech Pathology and Audiology).
She worked in retail sales, and signed for the deaf at St. Jude's.
Survivors include her grand-mother, Vernon P. Herb, Nashville; parents, Charles and Mary Jo Koory; brothers, Charles, James, and Thomas and their families.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located on Dayton Blvd.
Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. today, May 27, 2010 at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, North Chapel.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are made by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
John Kovacevich Jr.
Major John Kovacevich Jr., formerly of Chattanooga, died Monday, May 17, 2010, at his home in Crofton, Md.
He was born on July 7, 1949, and grew up on Lookout Mountain. A graduate of The Baylor School and the University of Virginia, he received his M.B.A. from Averett College. He was proud of his Southern heritage and maintained a lifelong study of the Civil War, in which his family played a key role.
Major Kovacevich served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973-1993. As a Communications Officer, he served with the 10th Marines in Okinawa, Japan, returning later as Executive Officer of Marine Corps Communications Squadron 18. Other tours of duty included Parris Island, S.C.; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Quantico, Va., and New River, N.C. He also served as Information Systems Security Coordinator at Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, Va. His numerous awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Following retirement, he was involved in the investment field, working at Bank of America in Orange County, Calif.; the Bank of Bowie in Bowie, Md., and Harbor Investments in Annapolis, Md.
Major Kovacevich was preceded in death by his father, John Kovacevich, who died in 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Pfeiffer; son, Sam Kovacevich of Boston, Mass.; daughter, Marcy Kovacevich Staggs, and grandsons, Aidan and Alasdair Staggs, all of Fullerton, Calif. Other survivors include his mother, Peggy McMillin Kovacevich, of Chattanooga; sister, Ellen Kovacevich Hanna, and nephew, Michael LeVan Jr., both of St. Louis, Mo.; nieces, Stephanie LeVan Lewis and Kendall LeVan White, of Chattanooga.
A memorial service was held in Bowie, Md. on Friday, May 21.
Interment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Sept. 8.
Arrangements by Beall Funeral Home in Bowie and Wann Funeral Home in Chattanooga.
Keith Kropp Jr.
William Keith Kropp Jr. died Saturday, May 22, 2010, at his home in Hixson with his family after a long illness. He was 83.
A graveside service will be in Forest Hill Cemetery 11 a.m. today with Monsignor Al Humbrecht officiating.
Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Soddy-Daisy.
Walter Mayfield
Walter Mayfield, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at his residence.
Arrangements will be announced by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc.
Joyce Moten
Joyce Elizabeth Moten, 66, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2010, in a local hospital.
Funeral: today at noon at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church with Pastor Charles Moore officiating.
Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
Robert Mullins
Robert R. "Bob" Mullins, 72, of Ooltewah, passed away Monday, May 24, 2010, at his home.
He was a member of Hamilton Community Church and was retired from Olan Mills. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Benham.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Almedda Reed Mullins; one son, Ashley (Mary) Mullins, of Chattanooga; two daughters, Alicia (John) Williams, of Thompson Station, Tenn., and Mylene Grimm, of Bristol, R.I.; five grandchildren, Alexa and Caitlin Williams, Grant and Barrett Mullins and Alison Grimm; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Rosemary) Grimm, Pflugerville, Texas; one sister, Judy (Marvin) Snyder, of Dayton, Tenn.; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. John Gulley officiating.
Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road.
Chastity Ratcliff
Chastity Loraine Ratcliff, 35, of Georgetown, passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2010.
Funeral services will be held today at 11 a.m. in the Highway 58 Chapel with the Rev. Lloyd Harvill and Pastor Billy Joe Banther officiating.
Interment will follow in McInturff Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Inc., Highway 58 Chapel, 622-3171.
Joan Shadden
Joan Elizabeth Shadden, 80, of Chattanooga, passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mrs. Shadden was born in Davenport, Iowa to Hugo and Florine Koopman. She was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Telephone Pioneers of America, and the Alfa Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Joan was a very ambitious and dedicated employee of Bell South, where she worked her way up to be one of the first women supervisors and retired with 40 plus years of service.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Shadden and brother, Phil Koopman.
Surviving are her cousins, Nancy Allshouse and Susan (Bobby) Maynard; step-daughters, Elaine (Randy) Stappenbeck and Angie (Kelly) Lambert; grandchildren, Carson and Jake Stappenbeck, and Will and Abby Shadden; and numerous other cousins.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
A celebration of Joan's life will be held at 2 p.m. Funeral Mass, Friday, May 28, 2010 at St. Stephen Catholic Church with Father Gilbert Diaz officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen Catholic Church (7111 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421) of the American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718)
Please share your thoughts and condolences at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.
Clyde Willhoit
Clyde L. Willhoit, former Chattanooga chief of police, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at the age of 87.
He was born June 25, 1922 in Bradley County, Tenn., and later his family moved to Chattanooga where he attended Ridge Elementary School, Brainerd Junior High, Central High School and Cleveland State College.
At the age of 20 Willhoit volunteered with the U.S. Army Air Corps on Oct. 7, 1942 and served during World War II with the 449th Bomber Group known as the "Flying Horsemen" based in Italy where he flew 45 missions as a radioman. Fifty missions was the maximum permitted any service member; the odds of being shot down and killed or captured were extremely high. He received several citations and medals; the Air Medal with three Oak Clusters and the Purple Heart.
The 449th Bomber Group's main emphasis was in the Italian Theater of Operation flying missions over Northern Italy, Southern France and Southern Germany. The work of the 449th is credited with shortening the war in Europe by effectively shutting down Nazi supply and transportation capabilities including shutting off petroleum. The latter disallowed Germany from training new pilots though they had plenty of aircraft.
Willhoit entered the service as a private and retired 33 years later as a colonel. He continued his military service in the Army Reserve until his retirement and was recalled to active duty during the Vietnam War as a survivor's assistant.
The day after Willhoit returned from the war he went to work for the U.S. Post Office and later joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol where he returned decades later as the THP's executive officer during the patrol's 50th anniversary.
Willhoit would say that his proudest achievement was convincing Mary Ruth Smith Willhoit to marry him which she did on Nov. 10, 1945. The couple was married 62 years with Mary Ruth passing Nov. 4, 2007.
Clyde said he was introduced to Mary Ruth by a mutual friend. Mary Ruth was a nurse at Baroness Erlanger Hospital where she had served during World War II associated with the Army WAC. Clyde was instantly attracted to Mary Ruth and sought to date her arriving in a sharp convertible. A double date was arranged whereupon during the date Mary Ruth said Clyde's car literally ran out of gas! They were constant companions raising four children. In later life, the two very much enjoyed traveling to annual meetings of his old 449th Bomber Group at locations all over the U.S. and once in Germany. In 2004 Willhoit helped arrange the meeting of his old group at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo at the group's 14th Reunion with over 100 persons in attendance.
Al Allen, now 89 and living in Peoria, Ill., was also a member of the 449th. Though he and Willhoit did not serve in the same unit he said that brigade had over 2,000 personnel - 600 of whom were flyers. They flew in the P24J Bomber and he recalled a mission over Albania when they saw over 6,000 Nazi troops in a parade. Allen said the group flew in at less than 1,000 feet and wiped out the enemy soldiers below. Less than 500 of the brigade members survive today.
Willhoit was sworn in to the Chattanooga Police Department on Aug. 10, 1948, as a patrolman working his way up through the ranks to become chief of police in 1976. He retired in 1979 with 33 years of service.
Chief Willhoit was among the first enrollees at the then-new Cleveland State Community College in 1967, where he received an associate's degree in criminal justice. He was a certified senior radio engineer who was instrumental to moving the CPD from the VHF to UHF radios in the 1970's which for the first time allowed officers to carry radios with them when away from their squad cars.
Following his retirement from the Chattanooga Police Department, Willhoit was asked by the new state Commissioner of Safety Gene Roberts to join him in Nashville when Gov. Lamar Alexander was elected. At his departure from the Department of Safety Willhoit returned to Chattanooga and he and his beloved Mary Ruth built the log cabin of their dreams on the farm in Bradley County complete with its own fishing pond.
But Willhoit's service was not yet complete. Chattanooga Mayor Gene Roberts called on him once again to assume the duties of city court clerk during an important time of court growth and transition.
He was a member of Ridgedale Masonic Lodge, where he became a 32nd Degree York Rite Mason. Later he became a member of the Alhambra Shrine Temple, where he was an active member of the Bus Unit at the temple taking the children and parents to the masonic hospitals for treatment and surgery. He was a member of the Missionary Ridge Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. He was past president and current member of the board of directors at the Chattanooga Half-Century Club.
The 449th Bomber Group was part of Eighth Air Force, established in 1944 at High Wycombe Airdrome, USAAF, England. 8 AF was a United States Army Air Forces combat air force in the European Theater of World War II, engaging in operations primarily in the Northern Europe. It was the largest of the deployed combat Army Air Forces in numbers of personnel, aircraft and equipment.
Clyde and Mary Ruth had been active members of Brainerd Baptist Church for over 60 years where he was on several committees. He was a member of the Dixon Sunday School Class. He was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers and attended football and girls basketball games.
He and Mary Ruth enjoyed spending time with their family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, hosting them on the family farm where Clyde also raised livestock and did farming in retirement.
Willhoit, while assistant chief of the Services Division at the CPD, was instrumental in assisting Roberts in unparalleled growth and professionalism of the police and fire departments with emphasis on increased personnel, training, education and equipment.
Willhoit also helped secure Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) funds for the building of the $1.5 million dollar Police Services Center in 1974. Willhoit had oversight for its building and location on Amnicola Highway. For the first time in many years, all divisions of the Chattanooga Police Department were placed under one roof. This site was selected because it was in the geographic center of the city.
Willhoit also led the effort that in 1972 saw the department acquire its first two helicopters. He also oversaw installation of a closed-circuit television monitoring system in the City Jail and parts of City Hall for enhanced security.
A verified story is that late one night in the late 1960s Clyde and Chattanoogan Gene Pike met a flight at Lovell Field with the remains of a returning soldier killed in action in Vietnam. Upon inspection of the body, Pike says, it was evident that in transit that the corpse had purged, soiling the shirt of the service member. Pike told Willhoit that the man had to have a replacement shirt, "and now." Given the hour and circumstances, Willhoit removed his own shirt and put it on the man who had made the supreme sacrifice for his country. It is the perfect example of the life that Willhoit lived -- always in service and consideration of others.
Willhoit is survived by four children and spouses, Ruby and George Roettger, Knoxville, Tenn., C.L. and Gayle Willhoit, McDonald, Tenn., Mary Alice and Phil Neal, Lee's Summit, Mo., and Clarence W. Willhoit, Chattanooga; two brothers and spouses, Rhoten and Jimmie Willhoit, Milton, Fla., and Roy A. and Louise Willhoit, Chattanooga; 10 grandchildren and spouses, Joel and Stacy Roettger, Knoxville, Mark and Cristin Roettger, Maryville, Tenn., Allen and Melanie Huggins, Ooltewah, Kandy Huggins and Chip Griffin, Chickamauga, Ga., Laurel and Gary Abernathy, Chickamauga, Ga., Richard Armstrong, Iowa City, Iowa, Maggie and Esteban Minsk, New Bern, N.C., Josh Armstrong, Fort Collins, Colo., Jenni and Dustin Reeve, Blue Springs, Mo., Jeremy Willhoit, Chattanooga; 12 great-grandchildren, Noah, Ella and Claire Roettger, Maryville, Tenn., Tristan, Bodie and Piper Huggins, Ooltewah, Christian Richards, Chickamauga, Ga., Brooklyn Abernathy, Chickamauga, Ga., Emma and Seth Minsk, New Bern, N.C, Ethan Armstrong, Blue Springs, Mo., Sydney, Logan and Lawson Reeve, Blue Springs, Mo., Paige Armstrong, Fort Collins, Colo.
Willhoit was preceded in death by his parents Aner P. and Ruby D. Willhoit, and his wife, Mary Ruth Smith Willhoit.
The family will receive friends at the Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel today from 3-7 p.m. and on Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Brainerd Baptist Church, where the services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Brainerd Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Winford Hendrix officiating.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga's National Cemetery with full military honors at graveside.
Active pallbearers will be Allen Huggins, Jeremy Willhoit, Joel Roettger, Mark Roettger, Rich Armstrong and Esteban Minsk.
Honorary pallbearers will be former mayor Gene Roberts, Bud Miller, Gary Abernathy, Chip Griffin, Ronald G. Eberhardt, J. Michael Pearson and Gene Pike, the Brainerd Baptist Church Dixon Sunday School Class and the Alhambra Bus Unit. Ronald G. Eberhardt, of San Diego, formerly of Chattanooga and a longtime friend and associate of Willhoit, will present a eulogy on behalf of former Mayor Gene Roberts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Alhambra Shrine Bus Unit.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga.
TENNESSEE
Richard Cassidy
GRAYSVILLE -- Richard James Cassidy, 62, died Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at his home.
He was born June 28, 1947 in NYC, NY to the late Salvatore Cutrone and Ruth Newton Cutrone Cassidy Addington. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Bill Addington.
Richard lived in Graysville for the past 40 years and had been employed as a technician by Dixie Yarns for 30 years. He was a member of Sale Creek United Methodist Church and did lawn mower repairs from his home.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years Rachel "Bobbie" Cassidy; daughter, Kim (Mike Watson) Summers; granddaughter, Haleigh (Cameron Sneed) Summers; great-grandson, Benjamen Sneed, all of Graysville; and sister Judy Gooden of Tennessee.
Funeral services for Richard will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Clyde Fitzgerald and the Rev. Damon Mitchell officiating
Burial will be in New Providence Cemetery in Sale Creek, followed by a white dove release.
Please share your memories of Richard on his on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.
The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends today after 5 p.m.
Mary Ervin
CLEVELAND -- Mary Keown Ervin, 87, a longtime resident of Cleveland passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
Survivors include her sister, Elsie Key of Ringgold, Ga. and many friends.
Services are 11 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home and visitation is from 5-8 p.m. today.
Bobby Hill
ATHENS -- Bobby Gene Hill, 53, died Sunday, May 23, 2010, at his residence.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Private memorial service at a later date.
Ziegler Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of the arrangements.
Jewell Hill
BEERSHEBA SPRINGS -- Jewell Hill, 86, died Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was a member of Airview Baptist Church. She was born in Meigs County, Tenn., on Feb. 2, 1924 to Noah and Margaret Howard Rymer who preceded her in death along with her husband, J.B. Hill; stepdaughter, Jane Hill Mason; infant brother, Ellison Rymer; sisters, Hazel Geren and Mildred Barrett.
She is survived by her daughter, Gail Campbell; son, Joe (JoAnne) McGinnis; stepson, Hugh Gerald (Gwen) Hill; sisters, Kathryn McGinnis and Sue Lusk; brothers, Taylor (Dean) Rymer and Kenneth (Alvada) Rymer; grandchildren, Lindy (Trey) Anderson, Lisa (Larry) Myers, Shelly (Greg) Meeks, Tim (Sarah) Tucker, Marty (Sherri) McGinnis, Kyra Myers and Todd (Dana) Mason; special nephew, Michael (Glenda) Knight and several other nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. CDT Friday in the funeral home chapel with Ministers, Melvin Childers, Dal Barrett and Jerry Lusk officiating with burial to follow in Airview Cemetery.
Online condolences at laynefuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 3-10 p.m. CDT today at Layne Funeral Home, Altamont, Tenn.
James Taylor
JOHNSON CITY -- James Roy Taylor, 78, of Salisbury, N.C., died Saturday, May 22, 2010, at the Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks following a lengthy illness.
A native of Elizabethton, Tenn., he was born May 20, 1932 and was the son of the late Earl Wilson and Delphia Whitehead Taylor.
Mr. Taylor received an accounting degree from Steed College and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Appalachian State University. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
He served as Executive Director of the Housing Authorities in the cities of Mt. Airy, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Statesville, N.C. and Salisbury, N.C. He had a combined total of 42 years of service. He was a lifetime member of Oak Grove Christian Church, Elizabethton.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Kaitlyn Marie Taylor and Dylan James Taylor.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy M Taylor, Salisbury; two sons, Mark Taylor and wife, Linda, Statesville, N.C. and Eric Taylor, Chattanooga; a daughter, Mary Ann Major and husband, Jeff, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and four grandchildren, Joshua David Taylor, Margaret Jean Taylor, Christopher Thomas Major and Sarah Ann Major.
Funeral service for Mr. James Roy Taylor will be conducted at 7 p.m. today, May 27, 2010, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with Mr. James Greene and Mr. Chris Hawkins officiating. Music will also be under the direction of Mr. Greene and Mr. Hawkins. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-7 p.m. today prior to the funeral service.
Graveside service and interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, May 28, 2010, in Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #49.
Everyone will meet at Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Friday to go in procession to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, to those who desire memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1628 E. Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28207.
On line condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Arrangements for the Taylor family have been entrusted to Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home.
GEORGIA
Clark Anderson
RINGGOLD -- Clark S. Anderson, 70, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at his home.
Arrangements will be announced by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Wanda Famber
DALTON -- Wanda Delores Clay Famber, 52, departed this life Saturday, May 22, 2010.
Funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday from Mountain Ridge Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Jones officiating.
Interment in West Hill Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.willisfuneral homedalton.com.
Eugene Johnson
RISING FAWN -- Robert Eugene Johnson, 73, died Saturday, May 22, 2010, in an accident in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
He was born Dec. 16, 1936, in Montgomery, Ala., one of thirteen children born to the late Joseph Biven and Angelina Buckelew Johnson.
Mr. Johnson was a successful businessman who was well known for his generosity. He resided in Tom Rivers, N.J. for many years and retired to Rising Fawn, where he operated several businesses and continued his charitable ways.
Mr. Johnson is survived his beloved pets (Max) and (Issie), his wife, Debbie Johnson; five children, Trisha Phelan, Debbie Johnson, Barbara Jedziniak, Michael Johnson and Jamie Johnson; former wife and husband, Regina and Jack Ditzel; eight grandchildren, Matthew Phelan, Olivia Phelan, Tara Goodrich, Michele Parkhill, Joseph Ferrari, Dana Jedziniak, Michael Jedziniak and Savannah Johnson; six great-grandchildren, Xavier Parkhill, Naomi Figueroa, Raesean Benton, Eric Swain, Jaiden Goodrich and Jamie Goodrich; brothers, Richard (Kathy) Johnson, John Johnson, David Johnson; sisters, Margaret (John) Barlaw, Pauline Shelton and Judy Gambill; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. EDT Sunday, May 30, 2010, at Rising Fawn Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Crider officiating.
Burial will be held in McKaig Cemetery, Rising Fawn, Ga.
Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. EDT Saturday May 29, 2010 at the funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Rising Fawn Baptist Church, P.O. Box 35, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton, Ga.
Mamie Pyburn
TRENTON -- Mamie Louise Pyburn, 76, formerly of Eva, Tenn., died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at her residence.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kirk Pyburn; and daughter, Bernadine Roberts.
Survivors include sons, Dave (Joann) Pyburn, Clyde Pyburn, both of New Hope, Tenn., Kirk (Jody) Pyburn Jr., Leland Pyburn, both of Camden, Tenn., T.J. Pyburn, Bryant, Ala., and Allen (Denise) Pyburn, Lexington, Tenn.; daughters, Debbie (Charlie) Hogan, Renee (James) Hughes, both of New Hope, Tenn., Shirley Pyburn, South Pittsburg, Tenn., Edna (Dodie) Coffman, Bridgeport, Ala., and Ginger (Toney) Clark, Trenton, Ga.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. CDT Friday, May 28, 2010, with Brother Davis Malone officiating.
Interment will follow in Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens, with Clyde, T.J. Allen and Brandon Pyburn, Toney Clark and Cory Cantrell serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from noon until 9 p.m. CDT today, May 27.
Arrangements by Tate Funeral Home, Jasper, Tenn., 423-942-9500, www.tatefh.com.
Norman Ross
ROSSVILLE -- Norman S. Ross, 86, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements will be announced by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.
Mattie Taylor
CHICKAMAUGA -- Mattie Lowe Crowder Taylor, 82, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 26, 2010.
She was a lifelong resident of Chickamauga and a member of Elizabeth Lee United Methodist Church. Mattie Lowe was a graduate of Gordon Lee Memorial High School and attended the Georgia State College for Women before teaching at Boynton Elementary School and Chickamauga City Schools.
She was a loving wife and mother that was preceded in death by her husband, Ira A. Taylor Jr.; parents, Chester and Bessie Crowder; and granddaughter, April Goble.
She is survived by her son, Ira A. Taylor III and wife, Becky, of Chickamauga, and her son, Michael A. Taylor and fiancée, Lisa, of Rome; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray and Martha Crowder and Malcolm and Juanita Crowder, both of Chiekamauga; grandchildren, Emily Taylor, Wilson Taylor and Wendy Goble; great-grandchildren, Ian Goble and Zoie Goble; and several nieces and nephews.
A Graveside service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2010, at Chickamauga Cemetery, with Dr. Ted Cash officiating.
The family will receive friends after 10 a.m. Friday, May 28, 2010 and prior to the service Saturday.
Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Home, J. Avery Bryan Chapel.
Dellean Vaughn
ROSSVILLE -- Dellean "Curly" Vaughn, formerly of Rossville, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010, in Venice, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 210 Wexford Blvd., Venice, FL 34293, or to Christ United Methodist Church, 1475 Center Road, Venice, FL 34293.
Graveside services will be held today at 2 p.m. at Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park with Rev. Jim Bennett officiating.
Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.
ALABAMA
Stephen Dunaway
TUSCALOOSA -- Stephen Edward Dunaway, 60, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010.
He had lived in the Chattanooga area for most of his life before moving to Alabama about five years ago. He was employed with U.S. Pipe & Foundry for more than 14 years and was a United States Army Veteran having served two tours in Vietnam, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Dunaway and Rita Childers.
Survivors include his three children, Scott Dunaway, Timothy Dunaway Sr. and Stephanie Lewis, all of Ringgold, Ga.; sisters, Brenda Kizziah, of Tuscaloosa, AL, Diane Aaron, of Texas, Angie Burks and Norma Jean Patterson, both of Foley, Ala.; brothers, Billy Dunaway and Richard Childers, both of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Donnie Dunaway, of Tiftonia; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. EDT Friday, May 28, 2010, in the Fort Oglethorpe Chapel with Brother Johnny Nix, Jr. officiating.
Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will begin receiving friends after 1 p.m. EDT today and prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.
Arrangements by W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Margie Faulkner
Margie Lee Faulkner, 80, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Funeral will be 2 p.m. CDT today, May 27, will be Burt Funeral Home Chapel, Fort Payne
Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.
Ida Harper
SECTION -- Ida Nell Harper, 79, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at Cumberland Health & Rehab.
Funeral services will be held today, May 27, at 2 p.m. CDT from Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery.
www.rainsvillefuneralhome.com.
Visitation will be today, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. CDT.
Elise Roden
VALLEY HEAD -- Elise Roden, 90, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. CDT today, May 27, at Burt Funeral Home Chapel, Fort Payne.
Burial will be in Wesley's Chapel Cemetery.