Arless E. Stonecipher, 82, of Ooltewah, TN, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2013.
A veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict, he served as Platoon Sergeant of the Security and Reconnaissance Platoon. He also played trombone in the Post Army Band. Following his discharge from the Army in 1952, he was the first president of the Cleveland Hunting Rifle and Pistol Club with NRA affiliation. Their first meeting was held in the back room of Stoney’s Super Market. He was an avid hunter and genealogist. He organized and directed the Calvary Gospel Brass and Woodwinds for the young people of Calvary Baptist Church. He was appointed a Tennessee Colonel by Gov. Lamar Alexander. He held certificates in Investing and Money Management and computer repairs. He was employed with Robinson Building Supply and retired from Olin Chemical following 18 years of service. He was a member of Morris Hill Baptist Church. Arless belonged to the S.O.R., S.A.R. and First Families of Tennessee. He was a member of Cleveland Lodge #134 F&AM.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Irene Kile Stonecipher; his first wife, Rita Joyce Jones Stonecipher; son, Wayne Lee Stonecipher; grandson, Joseph Tanner Cochran; and brother, Dr. Randall L. Stonecipher.
He is survived by his wife, Lottie F. Stonecipher of Ooltewah; one daughter, Rita Kay Stonecipher of Flat Rock, AL; step-son, Jimmy W. Rose of Chattanooga; daughter-in-law, Melissa Stonecipher of Blue Ridge, GA; two grandchildren, Clea Danielle Stonecipher and Shannon Cochran; great-grandchildren, Aerabi and Ava Cochran, Luke, Kayla and Matthew Cobb and Alex and Taylor Brand; step-grandson, Christopher Rose; step-granddaughter, Allison Longwith; brother, David Stonecipher and wife Nancy of Atlanta; sister-in-law, Doris Stonecipher of Cleveland; niece, Julia Craig; and five nephews, Mark, Michael, Thomas, Christopher and Stephen Stonecipher.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 27, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home with Pastor William Mason and Pastor Dean Torrence officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens concluding with a white dove release. His nephews and special friend Robert Sellers will serve as pallbearers.
His family will receive friends Wednesday, June 26 from 5 – 8 p.m. followed by a Masonic Service and on Thursday from 12 – 1 p.m. at the Fike Funeral Home who has charge of the arrangements.