Beloved Civic Leader Robert E. “Bob” Oldham Passes Away at 91

Chattanooga Loses a Pillar

Chattanooga, TN – Robert E. “Bob” Oldham, a former CFO, U.S. Army veteran, and esteemed civic leader, has passed away at 91 years of age. Relatives confirm that he passed peacefully on the morning of June 7, 2024.

Life and Contributions

Bob was born on November 10, 1932, in Kearny, New Jersey, to parents Robert E. Oldham Sr. and Mary Hamilton Black. He successfully completed his graduation from Pace University in 1954. Later, Bob was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1955 and graduated from the Counterintelligence School at Fort Holabird, Maryland, in 1956. He was honorably discharged from the Counterintelligence Corp as a Special Agent in 1958.

He briefly worked as a CPA in San Francisco before moving to Atlanta in 1965. He served as a controller for Big Star-Colonial Stores from 1965 till 1980 and furthered his formal education by acquiring an MBA from Georgia State University.

The Oldham family relocated to Chattanooga in 1980. Bob served as CFO at Red Food Stores until 1992. Throughout his life, Bob showed an unflagging commitment to his local community, committing his time and efforts to various social initiatives. He served as president of the Chattanooga chapter of FEI International and also as an officer and board member of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association.

The late civic leader also took on the role of president of the Choral Arts Society of Chattanooga, and the chairman of the board for the First Centenary United Methodist Church. He sat on the board of many essential organizations, including the Salvation Army and the Better Business Bureau. Furthermore, he was a member of downtown Kiwanis.

A Life Well-Lived

Bob was a man of many talents and hobbies— an enthusiastic tennis player, golfer, and gifted piano player. He harbored a passion for travel and together with his wife, Barbara Oldham, toured many places worldwide. They first met on a flight from Newark to Atlanta in 1961 and tied the knot in 1963. The couple recently celebrated their 61st anniversary.

Predeceased by his parents, Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Oldham, his sister, Mary Oldham, his two sons, Rick and Rob Oldham, and his two grandchildren, Lexi and Luke Oldham. He leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to the Chattanooga community.

Memorial Service

An event to celebrate Bob’s life and honor his memory is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. The visitation will commence at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. at the First Centenary United Methodist Church, located at 419 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made in Bob’s name for Camperships at The Centenary or The Salvation Army.

Lane Funeral Home Ashland Terrace has been entrusted with the arrangements, and they have made available further details on their website.

The passing of Bob Oldham signifies the loss of a pillar of the Chattanooga community. His devoted service was characterized by a profound sense of commitment, consolidating his reputation as a catalyst for positive change in the very fabric of the community that he dearly loved.

By HERE News