Joseph Terrell
Joseph T. Terrell went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Life Care Center of East Ridge at the age of 99.
He was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and a graduate of Notre Dame High School class of 1938. He also attended the University of Chattanooga as well as the Chattanooga Vocational School, which enabled him to become an electrician.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and subsequently fought in the Battle of the Bulge as an infantryman. During this battle, his unit was on the front lines of the battle of Elsenborn Ridge or “Northern Shoulder” at the Ardennes Ridge, which held steadfast against the German attack. During this battle, he lost portions of both feet due to frostbite. He received two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.
Following his discharge from the Army, he and his wife, the former Margaret (Peggy) Crumbliss moved back to Chattanooga where he became a principal at Terrell Electric Company, which was founded by his father, Charles Emmett Terrell, Sr. in 1926. He managed the Electrical Contracts division, which included such projects as Oak Ridge Labs, Chattanooga Airport at Lovell Field, Street Lighting of downtown Chattanooga and Rural Electrification of Sequatchie County.
Joe was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing and spent countless hours at his cabin on Lake Chickamauga. At his cabin he really enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews on rides through the woods in his army jeep.
Joe was a founding member of the Chattanooga Rod & Gun Club and he also held membership in the American Legion, VFW, Sierra Club, Knights of Columbus and the Chattanooga Half Century Club.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Emmett Terrell, Sr. and Marguerite Friedel Terrell; sister, Elizabeth Epple (Eldred A.) of St. Louis, MO; three brothers, Charles Emmett Terrell, Jr. (Ruby D.), John W, Terrell (Billie Mason) and William Harris Terrell (Jane Millard and Florence P.).
Following the death of his wife Peggy, he married Ruby Davis Terrell. Together they enjoyed traveling and entertaining their combined families.
Joe is survived by many nieces and nephews including Charles (Iris) Terrell, Elaine Holland, Linda (Jan) Rodriguez, Ann Davis and Lucy Stokely.
The family would like to thank the staff and friends at Hickory Valley Retirement Center and Hospice of Chattanooga.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 22, at St. Stephen Catholic Church with Father Manuel Perez officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen Catholic Church 7111 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.