Vernon Marshall Teems

Vernon M. Teems, of Ringgold, Georgia, founder and president of Teems Electric Company, Inc., died on Saturday, October 29th in Chattanooga. Born on November 16, 1933, he was 82. Family members announced that the cause of death was heart failure, following a period of decline. In his early years, Mr. Teems helped with the construction of the Edney Building in downtown Chattanooga, now the hub of the city’s Innovation District. He was a graduate of Kirkman Technical High School and became a Journeyman electrician through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The company was founded in 1961, and later it became a signatory member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The company has had four major expansions over the past decades, and remains family held. A child during the Great Depression, Mr. Teems became an avid collector of Southern farm implements and enjoyed hunting wild turkey in Georgia, with friends and family members. He was an active, longtime member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in his hometown of Ringgold, Georgia, serving as a deacon and occasionally as a choral director. An often-quoted and favorite passage of scripture he referenced was Psalm 133, (verse 1), “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” He was also a member of the Quitman Lodge. His wife of 64 years, Christine Peters Teems, was also a partner in his business. He is survived by his wife and children, Deborah Petticord (John) of Chattanooga, Valerie Lawson, Miles N. Teems (Donna), and Mark W. Teems (Tammy), all of Ringgold. His grandchildren are Phillip Teems, Natalie Teems Atwell (William), Christy Lawson Carter (Stephen), Katie Lawson Crocker (Thomas), Aaron Petticord, Joanna Petticord Chan (Brian), Garrett Teems (Meagan) and Katelyn Teems Fassnacht (William). He had 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Walen M. Teems (Glenda) of Athens, Tennessee, Wilma Leigh and Brenda Robertson (Tommy), both of Ringgold. He is preceded in death by his parents Cloriece Patty Teems, John Leonard Teems and his sisters, Joan Teems and Loma Teems Hullender. The family will receive visitors on Nonday October 31 from 5-7 P.M., and Tuesday, November 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the Wallis-Stewart Chapel of the Wilson Funeral Homes on Boynton Drive in Ringgold. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2nd and the family will receive visitors beginning at 11:00 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at Anderson Memorial Gardens. The pallbearers are Phillip Teems, William Atwell, Stephen Carter, Thomas Crocker, Aaron Petticord, Brian Chan, Garrett Teems, William Fassnacht and Charles Crandall. The Reverend Michael Kirby will be conducting the service. Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold, Georgia. An online register book may be signed at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.

Vernon Marshall Teems

November 16, 1933 - October 29, 2016