Robert Agnew Sr.

Robert Anderson Agnew Sr., passed away Sunday night, Dec. 1, 2013. He was 89 years old. Bob Agnew was a World War II veteran. He served in the Naval Air Corps from 1943 through 1947. After discharge from the Navy he attended Purdue University enrolled in their engineering program and co-oped with Brown and Root Construction Co. as a field engineer. He returned to Chattanooga after college and founded R.A. Agnew Construction Co. where he contracted commercial and residential construction throughout Tennessee and North Georgia for approximately 40 years. Some of his memorable construction sites are Miller Park, First Bank of Dalton, Brainerd Baptist Church, McConnell Elementary School, Hixson High School and Brainerd Manor and Rocky Face Estate Subdivisions. He was very active in civic and environmental efforts, serving in the Association of General Contractors (AGC) and Optimist Club as president. His love and passion was fishing and encouraging a sustainable fishing environment. He was instrumental in establishing Bass Clubs in the state of Tennessee. He was a founder and first president of the Tennessee Bass Federation and Chattanooga Bass Club, the first affiliate of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. Even at age 89 he was active (and winning tournaments) in both Chattanooga Bass Club and the Hixson Memorial Bass Club. He was also active in sports. He was one of the first members of the Sports Barn and an active racquetball player. He loved golf and at one time had membership in Brainerd and Rivermount Golf Clubs. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Vera Donahoo Agnew; father, Robert G. Agnew; and his brother, James M. Agnew. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Agnew; his sons, Robert Anderson Agnew Jr., Michael Edward Agnew, Richard DeLay Agnew; and his daughters, Donna Ruth Castings and Vera Anne Henry; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. He was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.