Woodrow Atherton

Woodrow C. "Woody" Atherton Jr., 79, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday. Oct. 26, 2013.A lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area, he was the son of the late Woodrow C. and Gertrude Knittle Atherton Sr. and was a retired fireman from the city of Chattanooga with 26 years of service. He was a Veteran and staff sergeant of the U.S. Army and a member of Tyner United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1952 and was an avid sports fan of baseball, football, basketball, and a big NASCAR fan. He also loved taking cruises and enjoying life.He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Billie Jane Atherton; two daughters, Karen Prunty, Ooltewah and Lisa Atherton, Chattanooga; son, Chris (Denise Ann) Atherton, Marietta, Ga.; three grandchildren, Kelli Atherton, Jason Atherton and Zackary Callahan; one great-granddaughter; sister, Myrna (Don) Mondy, Ooltewah; nephew, Donald Mondy Jr.; two cousins, Barbara Roberts and Carolyn Caldwell.He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by many. The family would like to thank the staff at Tennessee Oncology, Robin, Amanda and Lisa for their love and care, also to Dr. Deanna Duncan, Nurse Fran and Chaplain Fisher at Hearth Hospice for all of their love, care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family ask memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org; Hearth Hospice at hearthhospice.com, or to the Tyner United Methodist Church, 6805 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the Valley View Chapel with the Rev. Charles Harrison and the Rev. Charles Lipps Officiating.Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today and Thursday at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway.