Final Salute

Robert “Bob” Gordon Walraven who was 100, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 16th, surrounded by his loving family.  He was a member of The Greatest Generation.  He was born on February 15, 1925, in Lafayette, Georgia and was the son of John G. Walraven and Eula Philips Walraven. He was the husband of Bobbie Coffelt Walraven for 66 years.

Bob moved to Chattanooga from LaFayette as a teenager. He graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1942 and served his country during World War II as a Navy Seabee until the war ended.  He graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with honors and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was employed with TVA for 37 years. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as Chief of the Transmission System Planning and Protection Branch.

Bob was an ordained deacon at a sister Baptist church before becoming a member of First Baptist Church Golden Gateway where he served faithfully in various ministries for over 60 years. He was a member of The Seekers Sunday School Class. Bob spent many hours as a volunteer assisting individuals in need, and he incorporated his love of the great outdoors by teaching a nature-based class to children at Reflection Riding.

Bob and Bobbie were members of the Chatt Squares square dance club. They enjoyed many hours dancing with their friends to the calling of Roy Hause.

After Bob’s retirement, he and Bobbie traveled to many countries and visited and hiked in numerous US National Parks.  One of the goals they achieved was visiting the homes and libraries of all the former US Presidents.

At home he enjoyed gardening and doing many home improvement projects. He planned many vacations with his family. He loved boating on Soddy Creek and taught all his children, grandchildren and many of their friends how to water ski. Later in life he took up golf and enjoyed playing with friends from church. His goal in life was that when his children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they would think of him.  He was always patient, kind and a true gentleman in every aspect of his life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Bobbie and their three children: Julie Hodnett (Glenn), Wade Walraven (Melinda), Lauren Howell (Philip), seven grandchildren: Zach Walraven (Danielle), Hannah Kleehammer (Chase), Robert Hodnett (Melissa), Matthew Hodnett (Kelly), Katie Howell, Lee Howell and Max Howell and three great grandchildren: Olivia Walraven, Carter Kleehammer, and Juniper Hodnett as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John G. Walraven and Eula Philips Walraven and his siblings: Louise Brimer, Ruth Myers, Jim Walraven and Edna Wiseman.

We would like to thank the staff at Hearth Hospice and special caregivers, Ashley Clines, Rebecca Crain, Jenna Rodgers, Janice Davis and the numerous other caregivers for their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church, Golden Gateway, 401 Gateway Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37402 or to a charity of your choice in honor of Bob.

The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 AM Friday, September 19, 2025, at the funeral home.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry officiating.  Interment will follow in the Chattanooga Memorial Park.

To share your memories of Bob, please visit https://www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com/obituary/robert-walraven

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN, 37343, (423) 531-3975.