Anton Georg Zimmermann

Walter Anton Georg Zimmermann, age 77, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Anton was born in Bad Feilnbach, Germany on April 26, 1945 to Franziska Maria Anna Bland and Herbert Zimmermann. He spent many years with his foster mother, Mrs. Westermeier, in Germany before being reunited with his mother in England. Anton had a lifelong love of music. He shared his vocal talent in church choirs throughout his life, and in both theatre and musicals, such as a production of "South Pacific" as a young man. He would occasionally showcase his skill at piano and organ, the "Moonlight Sonata" one of his favorite pieces to play on the piano at home. Creativity and artistic flair were signatures of Anton's character, shown in colorful, occasionally eclectic clothing and in his over sixty year career in hairdressing. From making sure a bride looked and felt beautiful on her big day, to working tirelessly in annual charity cut-a-thons, Anton put his heart and soul into his calling as a beautician. Anton's faith and spirituality were unwavering, his trust and joy in God always evident in the warmth of his smile and his hugs for friends and strangers alike. He walked with God, and his kind heart made that evident for everyone to see.

Anton is preceded by his parents, Franziska and Bernard Bland; sister and brother -in-law, Christine and Barry Webber; brother-in-law, John Rabbetts. Anton is survived by his wife of 50 years, Miriam Zimmermann, RN, Anton and Miriam met in England and got engaged after seven days, and were married there; daughters, Heidi Efurd (Greg) and Cynthia Whitt; grandchildren, Eleanor Efurd and Sailor Whitt; sister, Verena Rabbetts; brother-in-law, Harvey Hancock (Patti) and a host of nieces and nephews in England, Amsterdam and New Zealand.

A visitation will be held for Anton on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 12pm with a celebration service to follow at 1pm at First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street, family and friends will reconvene for a graveside service at 3pm at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Zimmermann family.