News Summary
Raymond “Ray” G. Tessmer, Jr., a notable engineer and passionate gardener, passed away at the age of 84. He had a significant impact on the engineering community and dedicated much of his life to horticulture and helping others through various community services and organizations.
Chattanooga – Raymond “Ray” G. Tessmer, Jr., a prominent engineer and devoted gardening enthusiast, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 84. His death marked the end of a life filled with achievements in engineering, military service, and a deep passion for horticulture.
Born on October 4, 1940, in North Tonawanda, NY, Tessmer was the son of Ray Sr. and Helen Arnts Tessmer. He completed his high school education at Brentwood High School in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1958 before pursuing higher education at Virginia Tech (VPI), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1962. He continued his studies at Stanford University, obtaining a master’s degree in the same field.
Tessmer began his career at Procter and Gamble (P&G) and later served a year in the U.S. Army, focusing on aircraft maintenance during the Vietnam War. Upon returning from military service, he continued at P&G in Cincinnati while also studying Economics at the University of Cincinnati. His fondness for Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili highlighted his connection to the city, where he spent significant years of his life.
In the mid-1970s, Tessmer relocated to Long Island, NY, taking a position at Brookhaven National Laboratory. There, he not only advanced his engineering ventures but also became an active member of the community by serving as an elder in a Presbyterian church once attended by notable figure Daniel Webster.
In 1980, Tessmer transitioned to Chattanooga to work as an economic forecaster supervisor at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It was in December 1980 that he met Loretta “Lorie” Fitz, a Chattanooga native and reference librarian. The couple married the following year at Second Presbyterian Church, celebrating their union with a honeymoon in Switzerland that included a memorable concert by renowned pianist Alfred Brendel.
In 1982, he achieved professional registration as a mechanical engineer and took a commanding role as chairman of the local chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). During his long-standing involvement with the Magnolia Society, Tessmer organized seed orders and participated in significant horticultural events, including a trip to Cornwall, England, to observe a specific species of deciduous magnolia.
Ray Tessmer’s community contributions included organizing an ASME National Historic Landmark ceremony at the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway in 1991. He retired from TVA in 1991 but continued to work at various institutions including ERC in Tullahoma, TN, and NK Lawn and Garden. His passion for gardening extended to teaching Landscaping at Chattanooga State and remaining active in several gardening societies, such as the American Conifer Society and the Tennessee Valley Daylily Society.
In recent years, Tessmer dedicated his time to maintaining the church garden at First Presbyterian Church of Soddy-Daisy while enjoying hiking in the Big Soddy Gulf area with his pastor. He is survived by his wife, Loretta “Lorie” Tessmer; sister Briana Wheatley from Apalachicola, FL; niece Debbie Case from Clark, NJ; and nephew David Wheatley from Warren, MI, along with their five children and two grandchildren.
Ray Tessmer’s final wishes of cremation have been fulfilled, and a Celebration of Life service is planned for June 6, 2025, at noon at First Presbyterian of Soddy-Daisy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Samaritan’s Purse. Friends and family are encouraged to share their condolences and memories online at Williamson and Sons Funeral Home’s website.
The arrangements for his funeral are being managed by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home in Soddy Daisy, TN, acknowledging a life that touched many through his work as an engineer, citizen, and horticulturalist.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Raymond “Ray” G. Tessmer, Jr. Obituary
- Wikipedia: Engineering
- Legacy: Raymond Tessmer Obituary
- Google Search: Raymond Tessmer
- Chattanoogan: American Airlines Announces Nonstop Flights
- Google Scholar: Mechanical Engineering
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Live Music Upcoming Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horticulture
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Live Music Upcoming Events
- Google News: Chattanooga
