Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel

12/30/2025

Nancy Dee Pettibone, age 82, passed away on December 28, 2025. Residing in Collegedale, Tennessee, Nancy was a beloved individual known for her resilience, generosity, and selflessness. Her humor and thoughtfulness touched the lives of many.
Born on September 19, 1943, Nancy pursued her education with dedication. She earned her teaching degree from Murray State University in Kentucky and went on to obtain her Master's degree in Art Education at UTC. In the early stages of her career, she worked at the Pentagon as a Civilian Contractor. With over 45 years of teaching experience in elementary schools, Nancy specialized in reading and art, passionately loving her students and her profession.
Nancy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 13 years, Richard Pettibone, as well as her parents, William and Alberta. She is survived by her son, Mitchell (Hallie) Bailey, and little grandma's cherished grandchildren, Hagan and Marilyn Bailey. She is also survived by her cousin, David.
A member of the D.A.R. and the Eastern Star (Sunnyside Chapter), Nancy was also an active participant in the Joyful Sounds Choir. Her artistic talent was recognized nationally when she secured 3rd place in a National Art competition.
The family extends their gratitude to Morning Pointe at Greenbriar Cove for their love and care.
A private service will be held at a later date at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

12/29/2025

James “Jim” P. Brown, age 83, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Jim was the son of the late W. Paul Brown and Margaret Brown and was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was a graduate of the University of Chattanooga, where he majored in Geology. While attending college, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the ROTC program. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army, including service in Vietnam and Thailand, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Jim enjoyed hiking and camping throughout his life. He was deeply committed to volunteer service and gave generously of his time to many organizations, including ten years as a volunteer with the Jefferson County Park Open Space Program in Colorado, the Kiwanis Club in Colorado, the Denver Nature and Science Museum, and nine years with Meals on Wheels in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Natalie Brown, of Ooltewah, Tennessee; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert P. Brown (Bobbie Mann), of Rancho Cucamonga, California; two brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered at the cemetery.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Apison Methodist Church, with Pastor Sam Reese officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wild Animal Sanctuary at www.wildanimalsanctuary.org, the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.

12/27/2025

FROM THE CHATTANOOGA FUNERAL HOME TEAM

12/27/2025

Harold Lebron Madaris made Heaven his permanent home December 26, 2025 after a lengthy illness. Born January 10, 1951, he was a 1969 graduate of East Ridge High School, he received a 2 year business degree and obtained certification needed for heat and air. Lebron was a member of the United States Air Force serving in Vietnam. He was a member of the American Legion Post 95 for over 35 years.
Lebron married the love of his life, Janice Helton, and was committed to her for 48 years. After his discharge he managed a drug store in downtown Chattanooga and worked for Ramsey Electric. He found his calling in heat and air maintenance and sales. In 1980 he and Janice established Madaris Heat and Air in Ft. Oglethorpe, a business still operating by his wife and son, Clint.
A cornerstone of Lebron’s life was his faith in Jesus Christ. He attended Brainerd Baptist Church where he was a member of the Bethea Life Group until his health prevented his presence. Still he found comfort in his relationship with God. He was a prayer warrior and was happy to share God’s love with all he encountered. Though his Parkinson’s impacted his ability to read he was committed to his daily reading of scripture. His life was a life of faith.
Lebron was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Madaris and Margaret White Madaris, his brother Bill Abbot and sister Willie Moody. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janice Madaris, son Clint Madaris, grand-dog Neyland all of Ringgold, brothers-in-law Rob (Tammy) Moody of Chattanooga, Jason (Pam) Helton of East Ridge, Jeff (Kathy) Helton of Ringgold, sister-in-law Becky (Danny) Creswell of Knoxville, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Monday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN. The family will receive friends from 12 PM to 2:30 PM Monday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery at 11 AM Tuesday with military honors.
The family would like to thank Bright Star caregivers Brittany, Lori and Mary for their continued comfort and Hearth Hospice of North Georgia for their support. In lieu of flowers the family requests you remember Lebron through gifts to Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.

12/27/2025

Susan Bateman, age 73, of Harrison, Tennessee, passed peacefully at her home on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
She was born in Guntersville, Alabama, and was a daughter of the late Nelson and Marjorie Williams.
Susan lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love. She was a devoted member of Bayside Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as the food service director for many years. Susan found joy in cooking for others, sewing, and creating beautiful stained-glass pieces. Above all, she delighted in her role as a grandmother, doting lovingly on her grandchildren. She was also a faithful member of the Gideons Auxiliary.
She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Rick Bateman of Harrison, Tennessee; her children, Nathan Williams (Christy) of Arab, Alabama, Maranee Parry of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Nick Bateman (Laura) of Bloomfield, Kentucky; and her eight beloved grandchildren, Baylee and Drew Williams, Nya and Corbin Parry, Ella Marjorie Bateman, Lillian Grace Bateman, Abigail Bateman, and Nathaniel Bateman. She is also survived by her sisters, Karen Wilson (Joe), Patsy McWhorter (Lynn), and Rosemary Burke (Bennett), all of Union Grove, Alabama, along with several nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Bayside Baptist Church, with Pastor Jason King and Pastor Nick Bateman officiating. A private family burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. (CST) on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at First Baptist Church – Union Grove Cemetery in Union Grove, Alabama.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Bayside Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Care Center at Bayside, 6100 Highway 58, Harrison, TN 37341.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

12/23/2025

Merry Christmas to the staff at the Valley View Chapel...

Merry Christmas from your friends at Chattanooga Funeral Home Valley View Chapel

12/23/2025

Merry Christmas from your friends at Chattanooga Funeral Home Valley View Chapel

12/23/2025

A long and wonderful life, that began in McMinn County in 1932 for Dillard Edgemon ended on this earth on December 11th, 2025. The most treasured parts of his life were his family, church, vocation, and community volunteerism.
He served two years in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He spent his entire working career, of more than 44 years, with the American Water System beginning with the Tennessee-American Water Company and serving a total of 25 years during two separate assignments locally. Other assignments were in Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Jersey, and West Virginia. This responsibility included serving as President of American’s operating companies in Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Following retirement, he returned to Chattanooga and devoted himself to volunteer work including serving on the Board of Directors and as President, Vice-President and Treasurer of the Orange Grove Center, on the Board and as Treasurer of Team Centers, Inc., and on the Board and Treasurer of Engstrom Services, Inc.
He was a long-time member of the Chattanooga Civitan Club, serving in the offices of Treasurer, Vice-President, President-Elect and President. He also served two terms as Governor of the Appalachian District of Civitan International, receiving the District Honor Key and the Civitan International Distinguished Governor Award for both years as well as the Foundation Fellow Award.
Mr. Edgemon was a long-time member of St. John United Methodist Church during which time he served in many capacities including the pre-school committee, Assistant Scout Master of the Boy Scout Troop, Treasurer of the building program, Finance Committee, Treasurer of the Trustees, Co-Chair of the Trustees, and Chairman of the Church Council. For the past several years he was a member of Ooltewah United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Mary Katherine (Kathy), son, Steven, and brother Deward.
Survivors include his son Randal (Karlene) living in Tazewell, TN; daughter-in-law, Angela, living in Woodbridge, Virginia; five grandchildren: Randal Jr. (Emily) of Greenwood, Indiana, Ashlee (Colin) Wasmund of Sylva, North Carolina, Kyle (Tracey) of Leesburg, Virginia, Kelsey (Craig) Blankenship and Klint of Woodbridge, Virginia along with four Great Granddaughters: Riley Blankenship, Fiona Wasmund, Eleina and Eleanor Edgemon and three Great Grandsons: Asher Blankenship, George Edgemon and Everett Edgemon. Also surviving him is a sister, Alfreeda of Athens and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 1st, 2026 between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. at the Valley View Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at the National Cemetery on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be welcome at St. John United Methodist Church, 3921 Murray Hills Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416, Orange Grove Center, 615 Derby St., Chattanooga, TN 37404, or Ooltewah United Methodist Church 6131 Relocation Way, Ooltewah, TN 37363.

12/15/2025

Faith Annette (Smedley) Schroeder passed away, aged 75, on Thursday, December 4th 2025 in Chattanooga Tennessee.
Faith was born March 22nd, 1950 in New Orleans Louisiana to Charles and Leona Smedley. Faith had 4 older sisters and one younger brother. When she was 14 the family moved to Traverse City Michigan where she attended Traverse City High School. After graduation, she moved back to New Orleans. There she met, and in 1970 married, Thomas Francis Schroeder III. The couple had 2 children, Sean Michael and Samantha Michele.
Faith had many hobbies including reading and crafting. She enjoyed decorating for holidays and baking cookies. Faith held various jobs throughout her life, but none fulfilled her as much as being a mother and a grandmother, at which she excelled. She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 of her sisters. She is survived by her husband, Thomas and her children Sean (Kandiss) and Samantha (Tracy). She is also survived by her grandchildren Lyra (Samantha), Antoinette (Nick), Katelyn, Noah, Juliette, Spencer, Andrew and Chloe. She also has 2 great-granddaughters, Katerina and Layla. She is survived by her sister Shirley and brother Sammy Lyle.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

12/08/2025

Chattanooga Funeral Home Vice President Stephen Pike visits with the Care Center team who spend most of their time behind the scenes. Thank you Care Center for being a vital part of our family care.

12/03/2025

Eugene M. Pike Jr. spent his entire life connected to the funeral home industry and, at 87 years old, had no plans to retire. The President of Chattanooga Funeral Home had arguably been in the funeral home business longer than anyone in the area, having just celebrated 67 years with Chattanooga Funeral Home in June of 2025. Mr. Pike went to be with Jesus in his sleep at his residence on Monday morning, December 1, 2025.

While growing up in LaFayette, Georgia, Gene and his brother Bill would wake early to deliver papers for the Chattanooga Times before returning home for breakfast and heading to school. Mr. Pike often said, "I’ve never been afraid of hard work.” His father, Eugene M. Pike Sr., was a funeral director at the Wallis Funeral Home in LaFayette and Ringgold.

Gene, as he preferred to be known, spent a lot of time with his dad, constantly asking questions and even answering the phone at the funeral home. When Gene was 12, the funeral home needed someone to drive a family car, and Gene, without seeking permission, got behind the wheel. He recalled his father scolding him, “Son, you shouldn’t be doing that; that’s too dangerous.” Mr. Pike often joked that his dad probably knew he wouldn’t pay any attention to the admonition—and he didn’t.

The LaFayette High School graduate hung around Jack Algood, who taught him to drive a 1946 straight-shift pickup truck. As a teenager, he knew he was going to follow in his father’s footsteps. Mr. Pike graduated from the John A. Gupton Mortuary School in Nashville in 1959 and had served as Chairman of the Board since November 12, 1979.

Mr. Pike met his wife, Gail Pedigo, in 1957 while making an ambulance run to the Hutcheson Medical Center in Fort Oglethorpe. Gail was working as an X-ray technician, and a fellow hospital employee, Pearline Wallace, urged Gail to go on a date with Gene. Gail agreed, and before going to a movie at the Tivoli, the two went to a home to set up chairs for an upcoming funeral. Mrs. Pike remembers going to the Tivoli afterwards. Gene and Gail were married in 1958 in the pastor’s study of the First Baptist Church in LaFayette. Gail says, “God sent me the right person and gave us a wonderful Christian son, Stephen, who is following in his grandfather’s and dad’s footsteps.”

Alvin Wunderlich Sr., along with his two sons, Alvin Jr. and Walter, founded National Funeral Home in Memphis in 1931. They came to Chattanooga in 1933 and opened another National Funeral Home. Carroll Wells moved from Memphis to operate the Wunderlichs’ new Chattanooga business. The names were later changed to Memphis Funeral Home and Chattanooga Funeral Home to better identify with the respective cities.

In 1957, Gene Pike met Carroll Wells, President of National Funeral Home (now Chattanooga Funeral Home). Mr. Wells had been following the younger Pike in LaFayette and knew his potential. Mr. Wells told him, “Young man, someday I’m going to retire, and we’ll need somebody to work hard, maybe taking my place.” Mr. Pike was ready for the challenge and took the job. He became President of Chattanooga Funeral Home in 1977 when Mr. Wells retired.

Mr. Pike conducted funeral services for some of Chattanooga’s best-known citizens, including Mayors Rudy Olgiati, Robert Kirk Walker, Gene Roberts, and Pat Rose; Commissioner Col. H.P. Dunlap; Hamilton County Judge Chester Frost; Luther Masingill; J.B. Collins; Dr. Lee Roberson; Dr. J.R. Faulkner; and Leslie Jordan. He also remembers assisting with Elvis Presley’s funeral service at the Ellis Auditorium in Memphis in 1977.

Service Corporation International acquired Chattanooga Funeral Home in 1970. Under Mr. Pike’s leadership, Chattanooga Funeral Home grew to include four chapels, an expanded flower shop, a care center, and a crematory. They also operate Chattanooga Memorial Park and Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemeteries, along with Advantage Funeral Home and Hamilton Funeral Home.

Mr. Pike was especially proud of the funeral home flower shop. He noted, “We not only provide funeral flowers, but our designers also can take care of any floral need, such as grand openings, hospitals, churches, or special arrangements for friends.” He had many opportunities with SCI, at one time overseeing 65 funeral homes in the Eastern United States. He found it very exciting to share his experiences with other funeral directors but turned down offers to move, saying Chattanooga was his home where he had thousands of lasting relationships.

As if arranging funerals wasn’t enough, Gene Pike joined the Chattanooga Civitan Club in 1965. In 1970, he organized the Claxton fruitcake drive, which each Christmas featured a kickoff with Miss Chattanooga and Miss Tennessee. Mr. Pike also served as President of the Club, noting that selling fruitcakes enabled the organization to serve the community in many ways. He served on the board and was a past chairman for the Walter Boehm Birth Defect Center and also served as a financial chairman for Contact Telephone Ministries. At the urging of his late friend, Jack Benson, Mr. Pike joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters board, which built a modern office building at Bailey Avenue and Willow Street. Mr. Pike noted there are now around 250 active Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Chattanooga.

Mr. Pike accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at the age of 12. He joined the First Baptist Church of LaFayette and later transferred his membership to Central Baptist Church at Woodmore. He was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church, where he was the President of the Friendship Sunday School Class, the Outreach Director and served several years as a Deacon, Deacon Emeritus, and the Church Finance Chairman.

Mr. Pike and his family were very active in the Freedom Foundation Valley Forge Chattanooga Chapter. He said, “This organization is very much needed to preserve some of our country’s history.” He was also president of the Half Century Club of Chattanooga, joking, “All we do is eat at our annual picnic,” but he was proud the club provided six nursing scholarships a year at Erlanger Medical Center, a program helped by a generous gift from the family of the late Mayor E.R. Betterton.

Mr. Pike developed an interest in the piano when the youth department at his church needed someone to play. His mother found a teacher, and the youngster began taking lessons. Mr. Pike kept his music books, lessons, and notes, and enjoyed playing his piano “just for relaxation.” He was also known to play the organ, having bought an antique pump organ for $100 at a home in Red Bank over 50 years ago, which he still owned.

Thanks to his good friend, Bryant Cook, Mr. Pike was concentrating the rest of his life on veterans, noting, “where there is so much need.” He supported the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203 and their many projects. Mr. Pike was proud to have helped bring the Vietnam Traveling Wall into Chattanooga several times, saying the wall helped bring closure to thousands of families whose soldiers were killed in Southeast Asia. Mr. Pike was honored to receive the Hometown Patriot Award for his decades of service to area veterans from the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR. He was a Member of the Chattanooga Mountain City Club and the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club.

COVID-19 did slow him down and forced him to do a lot of work from home, but he was still on the job every day. One of Gene Pike’s mentors was Macon, Georgia, businessman Bill Snow, who operated Snow’s Laundry and had started a funeral home. Mr. Pike spent time with Mr. Snow in 1970 and was impressed by the philosophy, “Don’t ever get ahead of your customers.”

As to Mr. Pike’s plan to retire, in his words, “You’ll read of my retirement in the Chattanoogan.com obituaries.”

Mr. Pike was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene M. Pike Sr. and Bonnie Pike.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia Gail Pike of Chattanooga; son, Stephen (Lea) Pike of Ooltewah; granddaughter, Mary (Keshun) Gentry of Ooltewah; great-grandchild, Kingston James Gentry; brother, Bill (Ellen) Pike of Huntsville, Alabama; nephew, Ernie (Linda) Brown of Chattanooga; and niece, Cindy (John) Cagle of Chattanooga.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, December 11th, at 11 AM at Ridgedale Baptist Church with Dr. Doug Plumlee and Dr. Bill Owens officiating. Ridgedale Minister of Music Michael Johnson and Father Mike Nolan will provide the music for the service.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 10th, from 4 PM to 7 PM and on Thursday, December 11th, from 9 AM to 11 AM at Ridgedale Baptist Church. Entombment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hixson.

Active Pallbearers will be Mike Blevins, Tom Tallent, Darrin Wolfe, Robert Schrader, Dean Gentry, Brad Wilkey, Steven Chase Williams, Donnie Longley, Steve Burchard and Skylar Scoggins.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Staff of Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, North Chapel, Valley View Chapel, East Brainerd Chapel, Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Chattanooga Memorial Park, Chattanooga Care Center, Advantage Funeral Home, Hamilton Funeral Home, Ridgedale Baptist Church Friendship Sunday School Class, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203, John A Gupton Mortuary College Board, Staff and Alumni and members of the Chattanooga Downtown Civitan Club.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the LORD for giving Mr. Pike the opportunity to finish the race and help hurting families for 67 years at the funeral home, as well as to the entire staff at the funeral homes, cemeteries, florist, and care center who allowed him to be a part of their team.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 or Chattanooga Civitan Club, Gene Pike Spring Fling, P.O. Box 746, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37401,Chattanoogacivitanclub.org or John A Gupton College, Harris O. Yates Endowment Fund, 1616 Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37203 or to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #203, P.O. Box 23405, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37422.

Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.