Tornado Victim: Rhea McClanahan Was Marine Who Became A Principal

  • Monday, May 2, 2011

Rhea Garrett McClanahan, 86, who died in the tornado at Ringgold, was a Marine who later was a school principal.

He had lived at Ringgold for over 50 years and was a member of Ringgold United Methodist Church.

During World War II, he served in many of the theatres of the Pacific campaign.

Afterward, he obtained his master's degree from MTSU and was a science teacher, then was principal of several schools before retiring as principal of Tiger Creek.

His wife, Martha Gene Combs McClanahan, had died earlier.

He is survived by his daughters, Melba (Steven) Weese, Canton, Ga., and Vida Rush, Tunnel Hill; brothers-in-law, William J. Combs, Chattanooga, John B. Combs, Tallapoosa, Ga.; and grandchildren, Dylan Rush, Will Rush and Rachel Weese.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Heritage Funeral Home on Battlefield Parkway with Rev. John Purrington officiating. Interment will be in Anderson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends after 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 5/10/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) BARKER,MICHAEL ... more

Police Seek Help In Targeted Slaying On I-24
  • 5/9/2025

The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is asking for assistance from the public in relation to the homicide that occurred on Interstate 24 last Sunday. Police said, "As CPD's Homicide ... more

Teen Shot During Robbery On Swan Road; Faces Charges
  • 5/9/2025

The Chattanooga Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to a robbery in the 4800 block of Swan Road on Thursday. At 5:15 p.m., CPD responded to a person shot call ... more