John Trimpey

Dr. John E. Trimpey, 79, of Chattanooga passed away Thursday, Nov, 1, 2018. He was born December 18, 1938, in Somerset, Penn. to the late John and Olis Trimpey. His performance as a defensive player from the Connellsville High School class of 1956 drew rave reviews from scouts for several legendary coaches, among them, Bear Bryant and Jim Tatum. However, he declined the athletic scholarships offered by more than two dozen colleges and accepted instead an invitation to spend a year at Phillips Exeter Academy. On the Athletic field, he was a member of the All-New England football squad, he was an All-American swimmer and received baseball bonus offers, which he refused from the White Sox and the Red Sox. Dr. Trimpey was an Army Reserve Veteran, a master woodworker, and an avid game player. He began his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University. He went on to achieve his Master’s Degree from the University of Arkansas after which he obtained his PHD from Ohio University. He retired from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he held many leadership and faculty positions which included Provost and the Dean of the Arts and Sciences. Prior to coming to UTC in 1979, he had been an English Professor at Appalachian State University as well as Chairman of the English Department at Arkansas State University. His wife, Margaret Trimpey and daughter, Susan Trimpey preceded him in death. Survivors include his daughter, Meredith Welch; grandchildren Gabriel Welch and Quinnlyn Snellings; stepdaughters, Karen McAvoy, Allison McAvoy (Scarlet Farr); stepson, Lee (Kay) all of Chattanooga; one sister, Nancy Storey of Franklin, Ohio; several step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to your charity of choice. Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37421. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.