Justin L DeFriese
Justin L DeFriese, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2020, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland and Nellie DeFriese, his loving wife, Anne Miller DeFriese to whom he was married for 63 years, his son, James DeFriese, and brother, Alan DeFriese.
He is survived by his son, Mark DeFriese (Shannon), his daughter, Lee Anne Million, his grandchildren, Jack Million, Sullivan Million, Mackenzie DeFriese, Madison Grace (Wes), and sister, Jean Miller.
He was born on Dec. 4, 1928, in Birchwood, Tn. He graduated from Rhea Central High School and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga with a degree in Industrial Engineering and attended Georgia Tech. He worked at Combustion Engineering for 35 years as a nuclear engineer manager. After his retirement he worked for Partners for Economic Progress where he was the original manager of the Business Development Center Incubator.
He was deeply involved in the Chattanooga and Dayton communities. He was a devoted member of the Red Bank United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where he held numbers board positions. In Red Bank he served on the Red Bank Appeals Board, the Red Bank Recreation Board, the Red Bank Community Food Pantry, and was a member of the Red Bank Lions Club. He was involved in the Chattanooga Jaycees, Orange Grove School Board, Hamilton County Speech and Hearing Center, and Hamilton County Storm Water Board. In Dayton he was involved in the Historical Society and the Main Street Boards.
Justin’s family and friends will always remember his as being profoundly dedicated to his Lord, family, community, and church. A level-headed leader who always looked for the best in people.
A private service will be held for the immediate family only and a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Bank Community Food Pantry, Red Bank United Methodist Church, 3800 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37415 or online at RedBankFoodPantry.org.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist 5501 Highway 153 Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.