Mr. Chester Eldridge Martin

Chester Eldridge Martin died Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 5:30 AM at home with his family. He was born in McMinnville, TN; on September 16, 1926, grew up in East Lake and lived most of his life in Chattanooga.

He has been a very active member, elder Sunday School teacher in the Church of Christ wherever he was living and a member of 0oltewah Church of Christ at the time of his death.

He received his mechanical engineer degree at UT in Knoxville after attending Freed-Hardeman, UTC, and Harvard.

He was in the Army Air Corps and spent three years in the Philippines, China, and the South Pacific area. He worked in wood preserving and became a Vice President at International Telephone and Telegraph. This position involved travel that took him all over the world. When he retired from there he and a partner bought Atlantic Wood, opening wide spread plants and building the company. About 24 years ago he sold that and retired again to care for his wife, Ruby Taylor Martin, who was in bad health. She died April 18, 2004.

Their son, Lynnwood, died May 15, 2004.His parents, Chester and Doshia Martin also preceded him in death.

His survivors include wife, Carolyn Gardner Wilson Martin, sons and daughters-in-law, Zachary and Janice Martin of Franklin, TN; Jeffery and Tammy Martin of 0oltewah, daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Dr. Richard High of Amarillo, TX Bonus son and daughter-in-law David and Sheila Wilson of East Brainerd; seven grandchildren, two bonus, two great-grandchildren, five bonus, plus several nieces and nephews. His family was most dear to him. He was a very loving and giving man to his family and friends.

His funeral will be held at 11 AM Wednesday in the chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, East, with James Meadows conducting the service and Dr. Richard High giving the eulogy.

lnterment will be for the immediate family only. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be 4-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel, East Ridge, TN.