We honor these faculty, and invite you to leave a few words of remembrance or prayer for their families and friends.
- Harold Climer
- Richard Garth
- Ed Green
- Michel Holder
- Rayford McLaurin
- Carter Pate
- Michael Richards
- John Tinkler
Always in our thoughts,
Forever in our hearts.
Prof. Harold Climer was someone who could always be counted on for consistency. He enjoyed his work, even when walking became difficult for him during his last few years. His unique personality and humor will be missed in our department.
I was privilaged to have Dr. Carter Pate as both teacher and advisor in the Sociology Dept from 1965-1969; he was a most gracious person and I was so grateful for his kindness to me even in the midst of statistics class senior year; also, he recommeded me as at student at Columbia Theological Seminary; whenever I was in Chattanooga and saw him he would always remember and ask me how our ministry was going; I have appreciated his thoughtful way of teaching and try to be that kind of teacher throughout my ministry. God be with him and his family during this time. The Rev. Caroline Leach
Prof. John Tinkler was a very fair and knowledgeable English professor. I remember being a student in his “Development of Medieval Germanic Epic” class in the Spring of 1997, and he brought a lot of interest and attention to detail to a challenging subject. Rest well, Dr. Tinkler.
Although a very learned and able professor, John Tinkler’s wit and humor are what I remember most about him. I have told many Dr. Tinkler stories to my family. My favorite: on being proved right regarding something he’d said, Dr. Tinkler would say, as if an aside, “324 out of 324. Damn!” He will be long remembered.
Michael Reynard Richards was the greatest addition to life during my college days. Beyond his wearing muck boots to class in the mornings after working in his gardens, many memories of him fill my mind. His efforts to make his students wordsmiths and scholars were never without moments of both hilarity and sincerity. While leading us through the circles of Dante’s hell one fall, he turned out the lights and lit an entire package of firecrackers in the trash can, simply to let us know what the smell of purgatory might’ve been like. Of course he did this unbeknownst to the class until it happened, and I still laugh at the memory. While learning Shakespeare, he’d portray entire acts from memory, in era voice of course, with such a wry smile! Truly unforgettable.
I had three courses under “MR”‘s watchful eye, and so enjoyed them, I almost changed my major. His means of instruction probably weren’t understood by all, but I assure you they were not lost in translation. He nurtured our minds, and cared for our hearts. I will miss him knowing he is gone from this earth, but my heart will always carry Paul’s “hope” in the “Rocking Horse Winner”, a hope which Michael Richards taught me. I also hope that some day I will be able to see my old friend and professor again.
I remember Dr. Tinkler with great fondness. I had a couple of classes with him in the early 70’s. He taught well with a very dry sense of humor. He will be missed and the world will be all the less for his leaving. Heaven will surley enjoy his wit and wisdom. May God bless!