Joseph Brown “Buck” Shrader, Jr.
Joseph Brown “Buck” Shrader, Jr., passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Storypoint Assisted Living on Mountain Creek Road, where he had resided for several years.
Mr. Shrader lost his wife of 35 years, Martha Chaddick Shrader, in August of 1999. His parents, Joseph Brown Shrader, Sr., and Inez Lively Shrader of Chattanooga and grandparents, John Edward Shrader and Nora Gleason Shrader of Pearisburg, Va., and Judge John J. Lively and Edna Lively of Lookout Mountain, Tn., and his loving companion of many years, Wilma Scaro, also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his loving companion of many years, Wilma Scaro of Birmingham, and formerly of Trenton.
Joe was raised in North Chattanooga living within walking distance of Normal Park Elementary School. His father worked for the IRS. After graduating from Chattanooga High School and attending the University of Chattanooga, Mr. Shrader transferred to the University of Florida School of Architecture & Design from which he received a degree in advertising design. After three years in the Army (1954-1956), he then studied watercolors and illustration at the art Institute of Chicago and later illustration and graphic design at the American Academy of arts in Chicago. He then launched a career in art, illustration, and design working at a large Chicago advertising agency where he made designs for major companies such as Brach Candy. Some of his designs were featured in magazines such as Life. Subsequently, he worked for one of this country’s best-known technical illustrators like A. E. Ruhl of Chattanooga.
Moving back to the Chattanooga area in 1959, Mr. Shrader had his own technical illustration business for 24 years with numerous clients in North Georgia and East Tennessee. After closing his business, Joe concentrated on the art of watercolor and was featured in many local shows and galleries. His wife, Martha enjoyed working these shows with him. An unassuming man, Mr. Shrader contributed much to Chattanooga’s development as an art center. His artistic talents also extended to music, and as a young man he played French horn for both his high school and college bands. Mr. Shrader was a member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
The graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, at the Chattanooga Memorial Park with The Reverend Doctor Clay Thomas officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 822 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga 37403 or Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 3319 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga 37415.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.