Joshua Kimsey

Joshua (Jot) Kimsey, 93, of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday Aug. 28, 2016. Born in Cohutta, Ga., on Aug. 23, 1923, he was the son of Moleda and Lonnie Kimsey, and grew up on the family dairy farm. He attended Lincoln Memorial University and graduated from Bob Jones University. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II in the Rhineland/Central European Campaign. For over 30 years he was a seventh-grade biology teacher at Tyner Junior High School in Chattanooga, where he inspired countless students with his love of the natural world. He was a master gardener, beekeeper, and Tennessee Dahlia Society judge, as well as past president of the Chattanooga Stamp Club. For many years he taught the Whosoever Will Sunday School Class at Highland Park Baptist Church, and in recent years sang in the Apison Baptist Church Choir. Joshua was also well-known to the community for managing the family business, Kimsey Grocery, for over thirty years, where he made many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Barbara McLario Kimsey. He is survived by four children, Diane Kimsey, Benjamin Kimsey, Cathy Saylors, and Michael (Jeanne) Kimsey; five grandchildren, Darris Saylors, Carlyn (Schuyler) Sampson, Charlotte (James) Mattingly, John Kimsey, and Richard Kimsey. The family wishes to express special thanks to Debbie Taylor, his long-time caregiver and family friend. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept., 1, 2016, at Chattanooga National Cemetery, with Rev. Grady Cooper officiating. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.