Accomplished Violinist Was Former Deputy Director Of Human Services Department
posted May 12, 2008
Lt. Colonel Herbert L. Cartwright Jr. died on May 11, 2008 after a valiant battle with cancer.
He was born in Chattanooga on June 28, 1924. He attended secondary schools in North Chattanooga and graduated Chattanooga High School in 1943. He studied violin under John Casale at Cadek Conservatory for eleven years and was a member of the celebrated Casale Ensemble. He declined a scholarship to Juilliard and answered his draft call into the U.S. Army in June 1943.
He served with the 29th Infantry Division and participated in the invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach as a private and remained with the division until summer of 1945 returning to the U.S. as a Lieutenant. He continued in the military serving in Italy, Korea, Japan, Germany and numerous stateside assignments over 23 years of active duty. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, Artillery on December 31, 1965.
He began his civilian career with the Tennessee Department of Employment Security where he was area supervisor over 13 counties. After 13 years with the State of Tennessee he retired. He then served ten years as Deputy Director of the City of Chattanooga Human Services Department.
Herb was active in community organizations such as, past president of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Retired Officers Association, Tennessee Valley Development Organization, Brainerd Kiwanis Club, Boyd-Buchanan Quarterback Club, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association, International Association of Community Action Agencies, Chattanooga Half Century Club and charter member of the Talladega, Alabama Rotary Club.
He served on numerous local community boards concerned with services for all local citizens. Herb was a member of the Central Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert L. Cartwright and Florence Foote Cartwright of Lookout Mountain, and granddaughter, Amy E. Cartwright of Midland, Tx.
He is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Elizabeth Light Cartwright; son Herbert L. Cartwright, III and daughter-in-law, Melissa Cartwright of Midland, Tx.; daughter, Priscilla Simmons and son-in-law, Jerry Simmons of Chattanooga; granddaughters, Elizabeth Simmons Fountain of Fort Myers, Fl.; Amanda Cartwright Reed of Midland, Tx.; Kristina Simmons of Chattanooga; great-granddaughters Emily Reed and Lauren Reed of Midland, Tx., and great-grandson, James Fountain of Fort Myers, Fl.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Central Church of Christ, American Heart Association, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Chapter of the American Red Cross or the Military Officers of America Association Scholarship Trust Fund.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, at the Central Church of Christ located at 400 Vine Street. The family will greet friends at a reception at the church following the service.
Please share your thoughts and memories at Mem.com.
Arragements are made by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
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