Timothy Ray Sauls

Tim was born on November 29, 1957, weighing just three pounds at a time when premature infants often did not thrive. He was the only child of Herbert Ray Sauls and Elma Jo Sauls and attended schools in Boaz. In 1976, he graduated as co-valedictorian and was voted “most likely to succeed” by his peers.

Before beginning his freshman year at Auburn University as a first-generation college student, Tim traveled abroad, visiting friends and missionaries in Hong Kong—an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in other cultures and travel. While at Auburn, he worked as a co-op student with the Tennessee Valley Authority. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Building Construction, he began his full-time career with TVA where he would ultimately retire after 35 years.

Together, Tim and his wife, Jody, had three children: Jonathan Zachary (born 1982), Rachel Jo (born 1988), and Rebekah Grace (born 1994). The family lived in Knoxville, TN and Decatur, AL before settling in Chattanooga, TN where they have resided for over three decades. His most important and satisfying work with TVA was serving in project management on partial loan for ten years to the US Department of Defense for the chemical demilitarization program in Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He was well-respected in his field and was an active member of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering.

During their time in Chattanooga, the Sauls family opened their home to numerous international exchange students, many of whom became part of their extended family. Tim said his most important ministry and truest measure of success was being a husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy was seeing his family united in service to the Lord. An ordained deacon and active member of Hixson First Baptist Church, he was also deeply involved with Faith Hope and Love Ministries, participating in multiple mission trips to Ukraine and faithfully supporting its work to share the gospel.

Tim’s memory lives on in the many lives he touched. His family will deeply miss his easy laugh, quick wit and keen sense of humor. He loved his family deeply and put them at the center of everything he did. He was most proud of being a grandfather, a role he never imagined he would have after suffering a massive stroke in 2001 and experiencing health challenges for much of his adult life. Tim will be remembered both by his family and friends for his kindness, his love of all things Auburn and his willingness to help anyone in need.

Tim is survived by his wife, Jody; children Zac (Callen), Rachel (Hal) and Rebekah (Christopher); granddaughters Amelia Sauls, Ellie Sauls and Rae Broman. He was preceded in death by his parents HR and Jo Sauls.

Arrangements: Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 1-3 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, followed by a service. The family asks those who attend to wear orange or blue as we celebrate Tim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Grace Baptist Academy Building Fund .