Noel Phillip Workman, Sr.
Noel Phillip Workman, Sr., passed away on January 20, 2025, just three days after his 85th birthday.
Born in Watseka, Il., to Dr. Noel E. and Ruth Ehard Workman, Noel grew up in Watseka and Paxton, Illinois, attending elementary and middle school before finishing high school at Munich American High School in Germany. He developed a lasting love of European travel and formed lifelong friendships there.
After high school, Noel attended the University of Illinois and married Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Frank in 1961. He then served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in Greenville, Mississippi. Following his military service, Noel worked with Hodding Carter at the Delta Democrat-Times newspaper in Greenville, Mississippi, and contributed as a writer for Delta Magazine. He was also deeply involved in his community, serving as president of both the Symphony and the No Name Dinner Club.
Music was an essential part of Noel's life. He loved playing the piano, often with his jazz combo band. His creative spirit was also evident in his career, founding the advertising agency Delta Design Group in Greenville, where he served as president until his retirement. He also served as choirmaster at St. James Episcopal Church in Greenville, MS.
Noel retired to Sewanee, Tn., where he became a mentor trainer for the Education for Ministry Program at the School of Theology at the University of the South. He was also an adjunct professor in the University’s Music Department. His dedication to faith and community continued in Sewanee, where he served on the vestry and as senior warden at Otey Parish.
Noel was predeceased by his wife, Liz Workman, and their daughter, Ann Workman Brewster. In 2021, he married Val Gibson Workman, and they made their home in Signal Mountain, Tn.
He is survived by his son, Noel Phillip Workman, Jr. (Denise); grandsons, Andrew and Avery; son-in-law, John Brewster; and grandchildren, Alexander and Sarah Brewster; the children of John and Noel’s late daughter, Ann Workman Brewster. He also leaves behind his sisters, Patsy Workman McCammack (Marshall) and Kendra Workman Smiley (John).
In memory of Noel, donations can be made to Education for Ministry (EfM), which equips Christians to discern and live their faith through small-group theological reflection and action, or to the Diocese of Mississippi's Camp Bratton-Green Special Session Scholarship Fund for adults and children with special needs.
The memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at St. Timothy’s in Signal Mountain, Tn. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by the service from 12-1 p.m. A reception will follow from 1-2 p.m. Burial of ashes will occur at the University Cemetery (242 Georgia Ave.) in Sewanee, Tn., at 4 p.m. EST/3 p.m. CST. A gathering afterward will be at the McGriff Alumni House, just up the street from the cemetery. All are welcome.
Noel was many things to many people—an adventurer, a musician, a mentor, and a loving family man. His contributions to his community, his faith, and his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com.