News Summary
Chattanooga mourns the loss of several residents, including Joseph “Bob” Wheat, Jr., and Rodney Ray Davis, among others, who each left behind cherished legacies. Their contributions and memories will be celebrated by family and friends, fostering a sense of community amid the sorrow.
Chattanooga – Several residents of Chattanooga have passed away in May 2025, leaving behind rich legacies and fond memories among family and friends.
Joseph “Bob” Robert Wheat, Jr.
Joseph “Bob” Robert Wheat, Jr., aged 75, died on Sunday, May 11, 2025. A devoted husband and friend, Bob Wheat was known for his steadfast faith and love for the Lord. Originally from Chattanooga, he graduated from McCallie School and went on to earn his degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he later obtained his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Following his education, Bob served in the U.S. Army and subsequently acquired his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
Bob held a prominent position as the President of Brandonburg Trust Company and was an active member of the Christian Business Men’s Connection. He is survived by his wife, Renee Dickey Wheat, sister-in-law Elaine Walker, nephew Brent Golpashin, and several other nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Robert Wheat Sr. and Roberta Mitchell Wheat, as well as his sister, Jocelyn King. Private memorial services will be arranged at a later date by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.
Ehsan Sadre-Marandi
Ehsan Sadre-Marandi passed away on May 12, 2025. Born on December 6, 1949, in Tehran, Iran, further details regarding his life and legacy were not immediately available.
Sheila May Huber
Sheila May Huber (née Stankey), aged 64, died in her home in Hixson, Tennessee, on May 6, 2025. She was born on December 1, 1960, in Wisconsin and spent her formative years in Chicago, Illinois. Information on the services planned for Sheila has not been disclosed.
Esther Vandever Griffith Rouse
Esther Vandever Griffith Rouse, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Chattanooga on May 11, 2025. She is remembered for her contributions to her community and the impact she had on those who knew her. Specific details concerning her memorial services are still pending.
Rodney Ray Davis
Rodney Ray Davis, aged 74, passed away on May 14, 2025, at a local hospital. He was a dedicated member of Spring Creek Church of God and participated in the Auditorium Sunday School Class. Rodney spent many years serving as a Lieutenant with the Chattanooga Fire Department and was active in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years before receiving an honorable discharge. His family includes his wife Karen Davis, father Billy Ray Davis, and children: Brian Davis, Mandy Basham, Jennie Phillips, Sheila Bame, and Dexter Davis. Rodney is also survived by 12 grandchildren and his beloved dog, Dixie Belle.
Throughout his life, Rodney showed a passion for classic cars and cherished the time spent with his wife and children working on various automotive projects. He maintained a strong bond with his father and often took trips to West Virginia. Rodney was known for spoiling his grandchildren and had a close relationship with his daughters. Funeral services will be held at 12 PM Monday at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Pastor Bennie Mills officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson, TN. The family invites friends to join them from 4-8 PM on Sunday and from 10 AM – 12 PM on Monday at the funeral home.
The recent losses of these residents underscore the sense of community in Chattanooga and the lasting legacies they leave behind. With memorial services being arranged, their families encourage friends and community members to share their thoughts and memories as a tribute to their lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beloved Educator Nancy Elizabeth Davis Foster Passes Away
Chattanooga Mourns Beloved Matriarch Merle Belz Backer
Beloved Teacher and Community Leader Kathy Whitely Passes Away
Hamilton County’s Initiatives for Children’s Health and Education
Chattanooga Community Mourns Longtime Resident Tom Phillips
Community Mourns the Passing of Dexter Timothy “Tim” West
Chattanooga Celebrates African American Heritage Through Blues and Barbecue
Chattanooga Community Mourns Beloved Residents
Community Leader Richard Anthony West Passes Away
Remembering Kenneth Andrew Royse: A Chattanooga Legacy
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: John Hudson Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Rodney Davis Obituary
- Google Search: Rodney Davis Chattanooga
- Heritage Chattanooga: Lamar Parker White Obituary
- Google Scholar: Lamar Parker White
- Legacy.com: Jeffrey Lamb Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Taylor Funeral Home: Gregory Malone Obituary
- Google News: Gregory Malone Chattanooga
