David Paul Knisley, 96, of Ooltewah, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 27, 2020. He was born June 7, 1924 in Knox County, Tennessee to Rev. Luther Spurgeon and Ada Willard Knisley.
David served aboard a PT boat in the United States Navy during World War II and attended Carson-Newman College, where he met the love of his life, Bettye Jeane Longley, and moved to Hamilton County, where he served as an educator for thirty-three years. He taught at Bachman and Hillcrest Elementary Schools and at Ooltewah High School and served as principal at Snow Hill, East Ridge, and Spring Creek Elementary Schools. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and a member of various committees at Apison Baptist, Concord Baptist, and Ooltewah Baptist Churches. He served as a YMCA camp swim instructor, 4-H Club leader, and vice-president of the James County Historical Society. He enjoyed studying the Bible, reading history, gardening, and spending time with family. His greatest joy was honoring God by helping and serving others, whether at home or in the community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William Knisley, and three sisters, Grace Lillian Knisley, Jean Knisley Carson, and Dorothy Knisley.
David leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of seventy and a half years, Bettye Jeane Longley Knisley, two daughters, Elsilynn (Mark) Barber and Eugenia (Mike) Clement, both of Ooltewah, one sister, Rose McKee, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and two grandchildren, Beth (Andrew) Simons, Dallas, and Andrew Clement, Nashville.
The family wishes to thank Encompass Home Health and Kindred Hospice, the caregivers from Right at Home, and Brett Billings for their care during David’s illness.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 1:45 pm on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 with a private family service at 2:00 pm in the East Brainerd Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home and a private family burial service following the at Plowman Cemetery in Apison with Rev. Jeremy Collums officiating. Pallbearers will be Mark Barber, Andrew Clement, Andrew Simons, Horace Kirkland, Jerry Burgess, and Eddie Ingle.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Brotherhood Sunday School Class of Ooltewah Baptist Church and members of the James County Historical Society. Memorial contributions may be made to Ooltewah Baptist Church, Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, the North American Mission Board, the International Mission Board, and Kindred Hospice.
Due to Covid-19, we request that mask be worn at all times at the funeral home and cemetery, and that all Hamilton County and the CDC’s mandates be adhered to.
Please share your memories of David with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com
Please join live streaming of the funeral and graveside service at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com
Read full obituary at chattanoogan.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.
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