Gary Fordham
Gary Oliver Fordham, 80, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023.
Gary was born in Houston and raised in Hawaii. He graduated from Loma Linda University with a Masters in Public Health and from Andrews University with a Masters in Divinity. His goal as a young boy was to be a pastor, teacher, and missionary. He spent nine years as a pastor and educator in East Africa where he started the School of Theological Studies at Bugema College. He was a retired pastor and member of Standifer Gap Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Gary enjoyed running, hiking, and traveling. He completed many marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and climbed mountains, including Mt. Rainer and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kaarina Fordham; parents; and brother, Charles “John” Fordham.
Surviving are his wife of 21 years, Karen Fordham; daughters, Sonja Fordham and Sari Fordham; grandchildren, Aidan, Avery and Kai; sister, Patti Ferreira; and sister-in-law, Sandra Fordham.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, at Standifer Gap Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor David Sitler officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Standifer Gap Seventh-day Adventist Church, Worthy Student Fund, in Gary Fordham’s memory.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.