Robert Applewhite

Robert A. (Bob) Applewhite passed away on July 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years Jane Brien Applewhite in 2002, his mother, Nina Lee Parnell, and his father Stephen R. Applewhite. In 2003 he married Phyllis Train Burke, a sweetheart from high school, who passed away in 2015.

He was a graduate of Chattanooga High School and the University of Chattanooga where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He retired from 3M Company after 32 years of work in Chattanooga (American Lava), St. Paul, Minnesota, and Austin, Texas. He traveled extensively both in business and pleasure. He also retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a Lt. Colonel. He served in Korea for 18 months and was awarded the Bronze Star with a Combat V. While in the Marine Corps, he served as Asst. Inspector at the Chattanooga Reserve facility and later as Commanding Officer for 4 years (1958-1962) of the Reserve Battery.

He was a long-time member of OLPH Catholic Church. In his later years he was a member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church where he was involved in the community kitchen and later at Presbyterian Mountain Church. He helped construct many houses while in Austin for Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the St Augustine Catholic Church on Signal Mountain. His passions were golf, bridge, and poker.

Survivors include his sister Lota Greer of Dunlap Tennessee; his daughter Susan (Jack) Bush of Athens, Georgia; sons Robert A. “Chip” (Mary Jo) Applewhite of Hudson, Wisconsin, M. Brien (Chris) Applewhite of Ooltewah, Tennessee and Michael S. Applewhite of San Angelo, Texas; 9 grandchildren (Greg Applewhite, Katie Bogucki, Kipper Bush, Megan Guinn, David Bush, Daniel Bush, Matt Applewhite, Kriston Applewhite, and Kali Applewhite; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 6 step-children, Michael Burke, Murray Martin, Tricia Adler, Lee Hall, David Burke, Bill Burke and 16 step-grandchildren.

He also took great pleasure in mentoring and fostering the younger generations. He also cherished his old and new friends, which were many.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff and residents at Alexian Village who gave Dad many wonderful memories and friendships.

Funeral services will be private.

A comital service will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Wednesday July 28, 2021, at 1:30 PM EDT.

Pallbearers will be members of the United States Marine Corps. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, Dr. Pat Greer, Dr. Mike Greer, Bill Bush, and John Bush.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please make donations to Hospice of Chattanooga, Northside Neighborhood House, or Alexian Village.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Applewhite family may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com