Neil "Chris" Christopher Rader

Neil Christopher Rader, 51, of Orlando, passed unexpectedly into the presence of our Lord on February 14, 2026. Born on November 13, 1974, in Killeen, TX, and raised in Chattanooga, TN, Chris lived a life defined by integrity, service, faith, quiet strength, and

unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Chris was a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer, and a proud father to their son, Levi.

His devotion was evident in the everyday moments, the quiet sacrifices, and the way he consistently placed his family at the center of his life. The love he shared with Jennifer

and Levi formed the foundation of his world, and that love will continue to shine brightly through them.

A lifelong learner and problem solver, Chris graduated magna cum laude from Tennessee Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in information systems technology and management

from the Naval Postgraduate School as a Distinguished Graduate and completed a second master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Central

Florida. His continued education was a testament to his commitment to growth, excellence, and service.

Chris proudly served his country for 10 years in the United States Navy as an officer in the Civil Engineer Corps, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Upon graduating from Tennessee Tech, he felt called to serve his country and entered the Navy in 1995

through the Civil Engineer Corps Collegiate Program and attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, where he was commissioned as an Ensign.

His first assignment took him to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA, where he served as a Public Works Officer supporting the operation and maintenance of the base’s facilities. His exemplary performance earned him the Navy and Marine Corps

Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Additionally, he graduated from the Naval Postgraduate

School in Monterey, CA, continuing the academic excellence that shaped his military and professional career.

Chris’ next duty station took him to the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., where he combined his engineering background with his expertise in information technology to support the procurement and implementation of new engineering

management system for the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. He later served as the Web Programs Manager for Naval Facilities Engineering Command and was promoted

to Lieutenant during this assignment.

Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, Chris deployed to Baghdad as part of the Coalition Provisional Authority’s Program Management Office in support of Operation

Iraqi Freedom. Serving as Deputy Chief Technology Officer, he implemented critical IT infrastructure essential to rebuilding efforts, designing and standing up secure networks

in a war-torn environment. His technical excellence, leadership, and courage earned him both the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service from the Department of Defense.

Upon returning stateside, Chris reported to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 in Mobile, AL, a component of the storied U.S. Navy Seabees. During this tour, he

forward‑deployed to Okinawa, Japan, further demonstrating his versatility and commitment to mission. After a decade of honorable service marked by distinction, Chris transitioned from active duty to begin a private professional career.

Throughout his military service, Chris additionally received the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,

the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expert Rifle Medal, and the Navy Expert Pistol Medal.

After completing his military service, Chris continued to pour himself into his community

in Central Florida. A resident of Orlando for the past 18 years, he was deeply committed to civic engagement and served in various professional leadership roles. He served on

the American Society of Civil Engineers Region 5 Board of Governors and was recognized with the ASCE 2018 Outstanding Civil Engineer Award and the ASCE 2025

Wall of Fame Award. He served as City Councilmember for the City of Edgewood, Director of Engineering for the City of Altamonte Springs, and HOA President for Legacy at Lake Jessamine. In every role, he sought practical solutions, thoughtful

collaboration, and the long‑term good of the community. He believed service was not a title but a responsibility.

Chris had a gift for improving and fixing things—cars, computers, motorcycles, home projects, engineering designs, his golf game, and Jennifer’s endless honey‑do list. His

engineer’s mind was matched by a generous heart. Whether responding to a friend or family member’s call for help, he approached every task with patience and

determination. His in‑laws affectionately nicknamed him “the doctor” for his decades‑long ability to diagnose and repair just about anything placed before him. For Chris, problem‑solving was more than a skill; it was an expression of love.

Throughout his life, Chris remained a member of the Baptist faith and practiced what he preached. His testimony stood as a tribute to the type of leadership God called him to

fulfill. He walked humbly, loved deeply, and gave freely of his time and talents. He offered quiet counsel, committed friendship, and a calm presence in times of uncertainty. Throughout his life, he made a lasting difference—not through loud words,

but through consistent action and integrity.

Chris is survived by his wife of 17 years, Jennifer; his 8‑year‑old son, Levi; his father and stepmother, Eddie and Sheila Rader; his mother and stepfather, Susan and Ron Cates; his brother, Aaron Rader; his sisters, Meredith Cates and Lori Allen; his nieces

Hannah Ford, Faith Allen, and Allie Whalen; his nephews Sam Robinson and Knox McGinnis; and many extended family members and close friends who were blessed to know him.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing Chris is standing before our Father renewed and reunite with the Lord we serve. His legacy of love, service, and friendship will live on in his family, his community, and all whose lives he touched.

A graveside service with honors will take place on Friday March 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Chris online at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.