Hallie Warren
The Reverend Hallie D. Warren, Jr., died on January 8, 2020, at the “this is not for sissies” age of 91¾.
Most knew him as the Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Ashland Terrace from 1964 until his retirement in 1993. But, did you know some of the amazing things he did during his career? Early in his career he buried a suicide victim out of the church against the wishes of the church’s hierarchy, since suicide was considered a sin. Young Father Warren believed the greater sin would have been a failure to offer comfort and solace to the young man’s family. More than once he received bomb threats for his stance against the death penalty or his support of the Civil Rights Movement. During his tenure at St. Peter’s he spearheaded the expansion of the kindergarten to a wonderful and well-respected elementary school and felt fortunate to lead the congregation in building the current sanctuary. One part he played in the school’s life was weekly chapel services when, on lucky occasions, students were treated to his world class story telling. A long-time favorite was the valuable lesson, “Don’t never trouble Trouble b ‘til Trouble troubles you.”
As a pastoral counselor, after post-graduate studies at The Yale University School of Alcohol Studies, he focused on helping those who were trying to stop drinking. Over the years, many members of Alcoholics Anonymous would say, “Hallie Warren saved my life.”
After long days of serving others, he returned home where he was a man of many talents and creations: a mower engine powered merry-go-round, a treacherous cable and Jeep winch zipline and a kayak-based catamaran. Alas, the vessel broke up in the middle of Lake Chickamauga with his youngest children on board. While he was clearly a man of many talents there was one notable exception, knowing good shortcuts. He could have written the book, “How to Make a 15 Minute Trip Last an Hour: The Warren Shortcut.”
The rock supporting him throughout life was his wife of 70 years, Martha “Dixie” Warren. After meeting on a college freshman year blind date, where he spent his time tugging on his newly issued too short Navy uniform, they were together until his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings and eldest grandchild. Survivors include his four children and seven grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church or School.
Visitation will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Ashland Terrace on Friday, Jan. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1:45 p.m., with funeral services following at 2 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home – 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn., 37415, 423 877-3524, Lanefh.com.