Victor Joseph Ankar

Victor Ankar, 86, devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished member of the Chattanooga community, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Angela Ankar, with whom he shared a life built on love, faith, and unwavering devotion.

Born in Ramallah, Palestine, Victor was one of eight children and grew up in a close, hardworking family. Determined to create a life full of opportunity, in 1961 he made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States with nothing to his name and the dream for a better future. Starting with very little, he sold merchandise out of the trunk of his car before opening his first convenience store in 1967. His entrepreneurial spirit continued, and in 1973 he founded Ankar’s Billiards, which recently celebrated its 52nd year in business - a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

Victor was the proud father of four children: Charley (Misa), Ronny (Jenna), Bobby (Kailey), and Christina. His family was the center of his life, and every long day of work and every sacrifice he made was rooted in his desire to provide for them. He was also blessed with six beloved grandchildren—Arianna, Charley, Sloane, Reese, Benjamin, and Luke—who brought endless joy and warmth to his life.

Victor was known for his selflessness and his kind, laid back demeanor. He helped countless people — family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers and never asked for anything in return. His kindness was genuine and deeply felt by all who knew him.

Outside of work and family, Victor found great happiness in his garden. Nothing gave him more pleasure than hand delivering a fresh harvest of figs from his prized fig trees — a simple, heartfelt gesture that reflected his generous spirit.

Victor will be remembered for his humility, warmth, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. His legacy lives on through his family, his hard work, and the many lives he touched with quiet acts of kindness.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:30a.m. on Monday, December 1st, 2025 followed by a rosary service at 11:30 a.m. at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road.

A funeral mass will follow at 12pm on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Charles Burton officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery.