George Fairchild
George Kenneth Fairchild, 77, of Chattanooga, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017.
Born in Glenmary, Tn. on October 4, 1939, to the late Arthur and Beatrice Griffith Fairchild, he was one of nine children. His family called him Bubby and he answered to George, Kenneth, G.K., Dad, PaPa and an occasional “Boy”!
He was a 1958 graduate of Robbins High School in Scott County, TN. Soon afterward he joined the US Army and served three years overseas.
In 1963 he was hired as a conductor with Norfolk Southern Railroad. George retired after 42 years of riding the rails.
Glenmary was also home to Mary Gunter, the love of George’s life. They married on November 22, 1964 in her grandmother’s parlor. Living a short time in Oakdale, TN, they soon made Chattanooga their home.
If there was a game of chance, George could be found in the middle of it. He had mad skills at both the pool and poker tables and would often challenge others to feats of strength.
George loved collecting antiques, oddities and anything with a story behind it.
He found great joy in gardening, household projects, junking and spending time with his grandsons.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin, Kathryn F. McCart; brother, Ray Fairchild and sister, Fannie Waldrop.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Mary; two sons, George Kenneth “Big Red” Fairchild, Jr. Red Bank, and Keith Fairchild and wife, Crystal Johnson Fairchild; three grandsons, Hunter, Gage and Ryder Fairchild, all of Ringgold; five siblings, Gene Fairchild, Donna Kay Silcox, Linda Webb, Judith Ann Huckeby and Christina Fairchild.
Services will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Sterling Jetton officiating. Burial will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Please consider making a memorial contribution to the Chattanooga Heart Institute or TN Oncology in George’s Memory.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 11, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.