Joe Thomas Lehman

A lifelong resident of Hamilton County, Mr. Lehman graduated from Tyner High School and held an executive Secretary Degree from the Edmondson Business College. He graduated with honors from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN. He also attended the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Lehman was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Tennessee and held the National Certificate of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. He worked with Turner Funeral Home in Chattanooga for 12 years before working with J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home. At the death of Mrs. Bryan, Joe became President and Owner of J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home, retiring in 2008.

He was a member of the Brainerd Hills Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was Secretary to General Curtis Lemay of the Strategic Air Command in London, England for three years. Before entering the funeral profession he was secretary to the vice president of the Southern Railway in Washington, DC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian Albert and Della Ann Underwood Lehman; three brothers, James E. Lehman, C.A. Lehman, Jr. and Jack Lehman; two sisters, Elizabeth Brooks and Martha Archer.

Survivors include one sister, Betty Sue Lehman of Harrison, TN; one brother, Bill (Emma) Lehman of Ooltewah; sister-in-law, Ruth Lehman of Chattanooga; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM Friday at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Dr. C. Richard Mason officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM Thursday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 South Moore Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brainerd Hills Baptist Church Building Fund 6611 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 or to Bethel Bible Village, 3001 Hamill Road, Hixson, TN 37343.