Ooltewah, Tennessee, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Ooltewah community is grieving the loss of Carl Edward Tallant, a cherished businessman and alumnus of Ooltewah High School. Known for his warmth and dedication to service, Tallant passed away surrounded by family. He was a local icon through his ownership of Tallant Drug Company and an active church member. His passion for gardening and family-life, along with his extensive travel experiences, left a profound impact on his loved ones and the community.
Ooltewah, Tennessee – The community is mourning the loss of Carl Edward Tallant, a beloved local businessman and alumnus of Ooltewah High School, who passed away on August 22, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. Tallant was known for his warm personality, community service, and dedication to his family.
Carl Edward Tallant, born to Carl Hinkle Tallant and Cena Marie Robinson, was a proud fourth-generation Tennessean whose family roots trace back to the land at the foot of Grindstone Mountain in Collegedale. His formative years were spent in Ooltewah, where he attended Ooltewah Elementary through Ooltewah High School, graduating in 1955. During his childhood, Tallant was notorious for sneaking rides on the milk truck to return home from school or visit his father at Tallant Drugs on Main Street.
After high school, Tallant attended Oglethorpe University in Atlanta but made it a point to return home each Sunday to visit his high school sweetheart, Mary Catherine Bates. He eventually transferred to the University of Chattanooga, graduated, and married Mary Catherine on June 8, 1958, at Apison Baptist Church. Together, they built a life that included a red brick ranch house on 15 acres of the original Robinson farm, where they raised their daughters, Mary Jane Tallant-Fitzgerald and Carla Jean Tallant-McCrary.
Carl Tallant took over the family business, Tallant Drug Company, where he became a local icon by personally serving Mayfield ice cream cones for just 15 cents. After the pharmacy closed, he worked at several other pharmacies, retiring from Protocare, a state-of-the-art infusion therapy company. His wife, Mary Catherine, dedicated 30 years of service as a medical technologist at Erlanger Hospital.
A dedicated member of the community, Tallant was actively involved in his church life at Ooltewah Baptist, later at Ridgedale Baptist, where he held various positions, including Sunday School director and treasurer. Known for his friendliness, he enjoyed greeting everyone during church services and cherished listening to their stories.
Carl and Mary Catherine enjoyed extensive travels across the United States and Canada, often on family trips to Orlando and Winter Haven. Tallant had a passion for gardening, well-known for his impressive vegetable gardens, which he generously shared with neighbors and friends. His grandchildren, Walker, Cole, and Kailey, were especially dear to him, and he supported them by attending their school events and functions. He instilled in them the value of land cultivation and self-sufficiency.
In his later years, Tallant resided at Morning Pointe of Greenbriar Cove, where he was known for maintaining his sense of humor and sharing treats with visitors. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Jane and Carla, three grandchildren, a special cousin Eddie Robinson, and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine, his son-in-law, Dale Fitzgerald, his sister, Rose Marie Tallant-Gilreath, and his parents.
A celebration of life service for Carl Tallant is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to donate to Ridgedale Baptist Church/The Haven, Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, Morning Pointe Foundation, or Bible in the Schools in his memory.
FAQ
Who was Carl Edward Tallant?
Carl Edward Tallant was a community-oriented businessman and a graduate of Ooltewah High School in Tennessee. He was known for his involvement in local pharmacy and was a significant figure in Ooltewah for his friendly personality and community contributions.
When did Carl Tallant pass away?
Carl Tallant passed away on August 22, 2025.
What initiatives are suggested in memory of Carl Tallant?
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church/The Haven, Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, Morning Pointe Foundation, or Bible in the Schools.
Key Features of Carl Tallant’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | Unknown, passed away at age 89 on August 22, 2025. |
| Education | Graduated Ooltewah High School in 1955, attended Oglethorpe University and University of Chattanooga. |
| Family | Survived by daughters Mary Jane and Carla, three grandchildren, and extended family. |
| Career | Business owner of Tallant Drug Company, worked in various pharmacies including Protocare. |
| Community Involvement | Active member of Ridgedale Baptist Church, involved in various church activities. |
| Hobbies | Passionate gardener, enjoyed traveling, and family-oriented. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Carl Edward Tallant
- Wikipedia: Ooltewah, Tennessee
- Times Free Press: Mary Tallent
- Google Search: Carl Edward Tallant
- Dignity Memorial: Dale Fitzgerald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Heritage Battlefield: Obituary Listings
- Google News: Carl Edward Tallant
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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