Willie Lively

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Debi; his daughter, Lindsey (Dustin) Eberhardt; son, Anthony Lively; brother, B.J. (Julie) Lively; sister, Lisa Barnard; two nieces and a nephew; along with many cherished friends.

Willie spoke fondly of his years growing up next to Harrison Bay, being a lifeguard at the pool and spending time with the rangers there. He was a heavy equipment operator for several years, building roads until he started his career as an industrial painter, which led him to join the I.U.P.A.T. He took great pride in the work he did.

Some of his fondest memories were interacting with the community when he started Lively’s Produce in Ooltewah and talking with people who would stop by his house to talk about how he grew palm trees and his beautiful peonies that lined the yard.

Perhaps his greatest love was his cats. He spent many years rescuing and caring for cats and kittens in the neighborhood making sure they had a safe, loving forever home.

Willie will be missed by his family and many friends he has made throughout the years. Please keep his family in your prayers as we celebrate his life and mourn our loss. He has asked in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital in his honor.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 25th, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Chattanooga Funeral Home – Valley View Chapel, located at 7414 Old Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, TN. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Maddux Cemetery, located on Maddux Cemetery Road just off Harrison Bay Road.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37421.