Chuck Comer

Charles “Chuck” Comer, of Chattanooga, a prominent business man and banker for many years, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, while visiting family in Columbia, S.C. Chuck was born in Chattanooga, to the late Charles and Anna Smith Comer. He was a 1942 graduate of City High School and received his law degree from Duke University. Chuck served our country in the United States Army, serving with Company “D”, 393rd infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division in the European Theater. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and Chuck’s outfit was preparing to invade Moosburg when they discovered the POW camp. Chuck actually shot the lock off of the gate to the camp and the first POW he saw was Ray Rowe. They had gone to Normal Park Elementary School and City High School together. Upon returning to Chattanooga, Chuck went to work for American National Bank as a trust officer and retired from SunTrust Bank. Chuck served on the Board of Directors and volunteered in many leadership roles over the years at Orange Grove Center, where he was Santa Claus for 54 consecutive years. Chuck was a member of the Half Century Club, where he served as treasurer for 20 years, was very active in the Jaycees and many other civic organizations, clubs, and associations. He was a longtime member of First Centenary United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Pitts Comer. Chuck is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Comer; stepson, Brett (Terra) Varner; grandchildren, Graham, and Kate Varner, all of Columbia, S.C.; several nieces and nephews, Dr. Jan (Jim) Evans, Jerrie (Chris) Holder, Jackie Ernst, Dick (Ann) Stark, and Doris and her son Carl Lange; several great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A celebration of Chuck’s life will follow at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, at the North Chapel with Dr. David Harr officiating. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Chuck’s name to First Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.