Everett Rhea Fairchild, 89, passed away on December 10, 2018. Mr. Fairchild was born, raised, worked and served the Hixson community for over 60 years. He began his teaching and coaching career after graduating from UTC, at Dickenson Jr. High in 1951, until Dickenson closed in 1959.
In 1963 he returned to teaching at Red Bank Jr. High, as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. In 1967 he was appointed principal at Hixson Jr. High School, where he remained until retirement in 1992.
Between 1993 and 2012 he served on both the City of Chattanooga School Board and later the Hamilton County School Board, until his retirement in 2012.
Mr. Fairchild served his community though numerous volunteer positions to include the Ronald McDonald House, the Metro Charter Commission, Library Board, North River YMCA, Hixson North River Planning and Commission, and others.
He was a lifetime member of the Hixson Kiwanis Club and was the recipient of a number of community service awards to include the Service to mankind, and Freedom Foundation, as well as the Hixson High School Hall of Fame. The new Hixson Middle School Library Media Center and the former Jr. High football stadium were named in his honor.
During his 56 years as an educator he touched countless lives across generations in our community. He was a lifelong member of Hixson First Baptist.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Alta Fairchild; son, David Fairchild; brothers, Jim and Ralph Fairchild.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Hixson Fairchild; brothers, Doyle and Leonard Fairchild; children, Lynda Miller and Kenneth (Nina) Fairchild; 6 grandchildren, Travis (Stacey) Miller, Beth Fincher, Jennifer Mercer, Christer (Mary) Fairchild, Michael (Lindsey) Miller, Heather Razzano; and 14 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Hixson-Hixson High School Scholarship Fund in the name of Everett Fairchild, 2120 North Gate Park Lane, Suite 303, Chattanooga, TN 37415.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 13th from 4 pm to 8 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 14th from 1 pm to 2 pm with a funeral service following at 2 pm at Hixson First Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Shannon officiating. Interment will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
