Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Helen Niswonger, and his sisters Phyllis Branton and Judy Hundley.
Born in Webb City, Missouri, Bob moved to Chattanooga when his father came to help run the Volunteer Ordnance Plant. He was employed for over 32 years at Cavalier Corporation, rising to the position of Senior Vice President where he supervised all manufacturing and engineering. After Cavalier, he accepted a position with Roper Corporation in LaFayette, GA. He was soon appointed Plant Manager of the Chattanooga Roper location, where he remained until his retirement.
After retirement, in addition to weekly golfing and riding his horse Stroke, Bob began volunteering at his beloved church, Hixson United Methodist. He served for many years as the chairman of the Trustees and on other committees in addition to working most weekdays at the church. He was a member of the Gooden Sunday School Class. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Bob received his BS degree from the University of Chattanooga.
In addition to his loving wife Betty, he is survived by his daughter Elizabeth (Jeff) Gass of Marion County, TN; stepchildren Theresa Smith and Douglas (Christy) Smith; grandchildren Colton Brooks, Grace Brooks, Jake {Alexis) Gass, Garrett Gass, Jake (Jacquelyn) Smith, Luke (Crystal) Smith, Heather (Richard) Ketter, Kelly Smith, and Charley Smith; 10 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Thursday, January 4, followed by a Celebration of Life service with Dr. Charles Starks officiating. All services will be at the Chattanooga Funeral Home North, 5401 TN-153, Hixson. Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Donations in Bob's memory may be made to Hixson United Methodist Church, 5301 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
