Sushan Kumar Anand

Born in Amritsar, India, to Sukh Lal Anand and Swarn Lata Chopra, Sushan was the eldest of five children. Raised with strong Hindu values of dharma (duty), seva (service), and deep devotion to family, these guiding principles shaped the course of his life.

Sushan attended university in Germany, then later came to New York in 1967 with a job, twenty dollars, and dreams. Through faith, perseverance, and unwavering belief in opportunity, he built a remarkable life. From his early career at the Scottsboro, Alabama plant of Ballet Fabrics to co-founding Polymer Industries and later expanding into hotels, real estate, lending institutions, and the global trade of plastics and cotton, amongst other goods. Sushan embodied the spirit of hard work, determination, and was always committed to uplifting others in his community. He was a founding member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and a past president of the Indian Association of Chattanooga, founder of the Anand Martin Foundation.

In 1971, he married the love of his life, Cathy Martin of Scottsboro, Alabama. Their 54-year marriage was a testament to devotion, partnership, and shared purpose. Together they built businesses, along with a strong and loving family.

Sushan believed deeply in karma — that one’s actions, generosity, and integrity shape both life and legacy. He was known for extending opportunity to others, especially to those newly arriving in America, remembering his own humble beginnings. He often reminded his children and grandchildren that family is sacred and advised to hold family relationships dear to your heart.

Sushan cherished his family gatherings every Sunday for lunch, sharing stories of perseverance, faith, and the value of hard work. He spent the final week of his life vacationing with his kids and grandchildren, enjoying every moment of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Anil Anand and Sushama Kataria.

Sushan is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Anand; his siblings Satish (Neeru) Anand and Sumita Arora; several cousins including Ashok Khanna, his sister in law Patsy Barber (George), his three sons, Yashu “Josh” Anand, Anil (Angie) Anand, and Devon (Melody) Anand; and his 9 grandchildren, Aaron (Molly Kate), Taylor (Mirelly), Rami, Riley (George), Devon, Milani, Priti, Aadan, and Ari. He especially loved getting to meet his two great granddaughters, Gabriella and Elena, before his passing.

According to Hindu tradition, while the body returns to the elements, the atman (soul) is eternal. Sushan’s light, wisdom, and blessings live on through the generations he nurtured. His life stands as an example of faith in action, perseverance through adversity, and devotion to family.

Sunday, February 22, Visitation from 2:00–5:00 p.m at Chattanooga Funeral Home in Hixson

Monday, February 23, Additional visitation from 12:00–1:30 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home in Hixson

Monday, February 23, The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home in Hixson, with cremation to follow. भगवान सबका भला करे (God bless all)