Billy Joe “Shorty” Fairbanks, lifelong resident of Ooltewah, went home to be with the Lord on September 8th, 2025. He was a skilled mechanic, gardener, craftsman, and a man who seldom met a stranger. His ability to fix any and all things broken was only surpassed by his quickness with a joke or a story.
Shorty was a man of unmatched energy and activity. He loved to fish the lakes and rivers around the area and always knew where to find a big catch. When not on the water, his time was spent visiting with family and friends, tending to his vegetable garden, and maintaining the Fairbanks Hot Rods collection of classic cars with his son, Billy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene; his mother, Edna Mae; and his brother, Curtis.
Left to carry on his legacy is his devoted wife of 61 years, Mary; brothers Mark (Rosa), Bobby (Voula) ,sister-in-law, Stella, Ricky (Brenda), and Michael (Judy); daughter, Gina Bishop (Eric); son, Billy Fairbanks (Niki); grandchildren Joey Fairbanks (Laura), Blaine Bishop (Katherine) and Brooke Green (Justin); and great-grandchildren Emma Hattaway, Harper Fairbanks, Jax Bishop, Joanie Green and Collins Bishop.
Shorty was a dedicated member of Providence Baptist Church for over 50 years, where Shorty served as a greeter and usher. His church family will remember him fondly as a pillar of their congregation.
He was a 1961 graduate of Ooltewah High School. He participated in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the school’s first undefeated football team in 1959.
Shorty retired from Chattem Drugs in 2006 after previously working with Farmer’s Chemical.
Visitation for Shorty will be held on Wednesday, September 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 7414 Old Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, Tennessee and at Providence Baptist church on Thursday from 12:00 to 1:00. A celebration of Shorty’s life will be held at Providence Baptist Church, 8523 Providence Road, Ooltewah, TN 37363, at 1:00 p.m., with interment to follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.
