Ernest Seagle
Ernest Fanning Seagle, 85, of Chattanooga, died on November 20, 2014, at a local health care facility.
He was born on Aug. 1, 1929, to Ernest Mitchell and Alma Fanning Seagle.
Ernest was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, graduating from Baylor School in 1946 and from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1952 with a BS in electrical engineering, and belonged to honor fraternities Tau Beta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi, and social fraternity Sigma Nu. He served in the United States Marine Corps for over 30 years attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. He was Commandant of the National USMC League from 2003-2004. He received the Marine of the Year Award in 2004. He was on the board of directors for the US Marines Youth Foundation and he also served as chairman of Boys State in 1997-98 and 2004-2005. He received the Marine Corps League Distinquished Service Award (Gold) in 2010. He went on to serve in the Honor Guard of Post 95 American Legion in 2005 and served as Commander for Post 95 in 2012-2013.
Ernest was an electrical engineer working at TVA over 40 years. He served as the TVA Engineers Association Valley Wide President in 1963-64. Outside of his military and professional careers, he was involved in many community organizations consistent with his firm conviction in helping others if you are able. He was active in Toys for Tots, supported Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered for Room in the Inn and served as president in 1992-93. He was chairman of the Chattanooga Area Veteran’s Council in 1999-2000. He was involved in the Chattanooga Music Club for years serving as treasurer.
He was one of the founding members of the Chattanooga Stamp Club, serving as president for several terms. His avid stamp collecting earned him the Maurice Apfelbaum Award for excellence in stamp collecting.
Ernest was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for 74 years, serving in the choir and other capacities for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Tommy.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Johnson Seagle. He is also survived by his children, Cathy (Dr. Stephen) May, Paul (Dr. Kim Davis-Seagle) Seagle, and Becky (Brad) Pope; eight grandchildren, Joshua (Lorea), Jacob, and Lydia May; Bodie and Boone Seagle; Hannah, Emily, and Tess Pope; and one great-grandchild, Sterling May.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 West Seventh Street, with burial in the Chattanooga National Cemetery to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 South Moore Road.
Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.
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