Archie Tinker

Archie Tinker, 89, formerly of Ooltewah TN. passed away on Saturday January 17th 2015.  He was born on August 6, 1925 in Star Route, Trenton Ga. Dade County to parents John Riley, Jr. and  Juddy A. Avans Tinker. He was the oldest of nine brothers and sisters.

Archie grew up on Sand Mountain in the Davis community. Archie at the age of 12 quit school to raise his younger brothers and sisters upon his mother’s passing. He worked the family farm and other area farms to support their livelihood.

Archie was a WWII Veteran. He joined the United States Navy and was directed to active duty from October 16, 1943 until December 11, 1945 upon which time he was honorably discharged. He was enlisted as Naval Radioman, third class SV V-6 and was aboard the USS Rapidan AO-18 a fleet Tanker stationed in Alaska carrying fuel and oil to the Pacific for support of wartime operations.

Returning to the North Ga. and the Chattanooga area after the war Archie’s love of cars inspired him to a career in the automotive business. He started work for Hart’s Automotive Parts Company on Broad Street delivering auto parts by Harley Davidson servi-car three wheeled motorcycle. Archie worked his way from delivery man for Hart’s Automotive holding numerous positions and was regional sales manager when he changed jobs during the early 1960’s taking the position of Parts Manager for Chattanooga’s first Volkswagen Dealer, Southland VW which was located on Brainerd Road. Archie held this position for several years and was awarded numerous company awards for sales and leadership. While employed at Southland he was offered the Parts Manager position for Gregory Datsun on Rossville Boulevard. While serving as Parts Manager at Gregory’s he also received sales and leadership awards. He held this position with the former Gregory Datsun which is now Mountain View Nissan until his retirement.

Archie was of the Baptist faith. He spent many years as a member of Spring Creek Road Baptist in East Ridge and later a member of Providence Road Baptist in Ooltewah.

Archie was predeceased by his parents; John Riley, Jr. and Juddy Tinker. He was married on October 27, 1951 to Lexie Opal Hill and was married for 62 years before her passing on March 9, 2013.

He is survived by sons Arch Ronald Tinker and wife Vanessa of Chattanooga TN and Dennis Brian Tinker and wife Lori of Cleveland TN; granddaughter, Heather Tinker Mastin of Ooltewah TN; grandson Elijah Travis Tinker and wife Julie of Cleveland TN. He has four great- grandchildren: Dylan Mastin, Chloe Mastin and Trevor Mastin of Ooltewah TN and Elijah Tinker of Cleveland TN. He has one surviving brother Estel Tinker of Sand Mountain, Trenton GA.

Archie loved his family and had many friends. He was an auto enthusiast who was always working on his cars. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing hymns. He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Southern Oaks Assisted living, the physicians and staff of Memorial Hospital and the staff at Life Care of Collegedale for the care and compassion Archie received during his last few years of life.

Visitation will be in Spring Creek Road Baptist Church Wednesday, January 21 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  The Rev. James Julian will conduct the service at noon in the church.

Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church, 1312 Spring Creek Road, East Ridge, TN 37412.

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