Elderly couple's love story.
Last Tuesday, a soulful rendition of “Taps” echoed through the Chattanooga National Cemetery in a tribute to two lives lived in unison. The city paused to celebrate the memories of Gloria Wallace Hartshorn and William “Bill” McCutcheon Hartshorn, a couple who after 76 years of devoted marriage now repose together.
Gloria, a woman revered for her grace, elegance, and artistic passion, left us first on June 30, 2023, from Alexian Village, graced with a beautiful canyon view from the brow of Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Shortly after her departure, on November 15, her beloved Bill joined her, leaving the world from the same scenic location. Gloria’s life was adorned with 96 years of love, faith, and camaraderie, while Bill’s journey spanned a whole century, marked by his service to God, country, and community.
Bill, a native of Kensington, Maryland, valiantly served as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot in World War II before meeting Gloria. Their lives entwined forever at neighboring Dartmouth and Colby colleges, sparking a whirlwind romance that transformed into a life-long love story. They tied the knot on July 25, 1947, and welcomed their three children – Beverly Ann, Sandra Lee, and William David – into a home filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.
Their lives took an unexpected turn when Bill was recalled for service during the Korean War, leaving Gloria to single-handedly cater to their young family. Upon Bill’s return, they resumed their parental duties, embracing life, and its riches in Atlanta, Georgia, and Signal Mountain.
Gloria, an award-winning gardener and accomplished bridge player, lit up their household with her charm. In contrast, Bill, with Gloria’s unwavering support, secured top positions in competitive sailboat races at Chattanooga’s Privateer Yacht Club, eventually rising to the rank of Commodore. Recognizing his stellar professionalism, Bill’s company, Carpenter Steel, awarded him the “Golden Ingot Award.”
However, the central theme of their lives remained their shared faith in Jesus Christ, which guided their actions and inspired everyone around them. Their unwavering faith was evident in their 50-year-long association with Chattanooga’s First Presbyterian Church, and Ben Haden’s ministry.
The Hartshorns left behind them a legacy of love, understanding, and unwavering faith. To have known Gloria and Bill Hartshorn is to have been touched by warmth, resilience, and an unyielding belief in the power of something greater. They manifested a partnership founded on this belief. Their memory shall live on in the hearts of their loved ones and the city of Chattanooga.
In their memory, the family requests donations to be made to First Presbyterian Church, a testament to their life-long commitment to community service and spiritual growth.
Though we mourn their loss, the tale of Gloria and Bill Hartshorn reminds us of the power of love, faith, and commitment. Their lives were ordinary in the most extraordinary way, manifesting a love that truly was for the ages.
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