George Sparrow Watkins Sr.

He was born on May 5, 1924 in Statesville, NC to Chesley and Elizabeth Sparrow Watkins. He was the younger brother of Susan (Watkins) McAllester and Chesley Watkins, Jr.

George grew up in Charlotte, NC and attended Mecklenburg County schools. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1947. He was a Knight of St. Patrick. During his college summer vacations, he worked for the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and he had many fond memories of those summers.

He came to Chattanooga after graduation to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority. He took great pride in the work of the TVA, spending his entire career there until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the Chattanooga Engineers Club and the Jr. Chamber of Commerce.

George was always curious about the how's and why's of the world's workings. Mathematics and science supplied some answers; religion revealed others. For him, faith and reason always peaceably co-existed.

He was reared in the Presbyterian Church and later served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church. In the latter part of his life, he attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church. His decades-long daily practice included prayer and reading from a well-worn devotional.

He was committed to providing every opportunity he could for his three children, giving them the solid secular and religious education that he believed formed the foundation of a good life. He fostered his children’s lifelong love of books and learning.

He loved music, particularly big band, orchestral, and choral music, and he enjoyed singing hymns. He had a beautiful tenor voice.

George was a kind and modest man, and he will always be remembered for his abiding faith, principled ways, impeccable manners, good mind, and generous spirit.

He is survived by his wife. His daughter Cheryl, son Peter, daughter-in-law Pam, grandchildren Genevieve and Henry, and nieces and nephews also survive him. His elder son George predeceased him.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff at Alexian Village and Standifer Place who gave him much care and comfort in the last years of his life.

A private memorial will take place in North Carolina this fall.

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.