Dillard Lee Edgemon

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.