Joseph Burt Sawyer
J. Burt Sawyer passed peacefully, with family, to his home in Heaven on July 29. Born in Huntsville, Alabama on April 2, 1936 and a 1954 graduate of Notre Dame High School of Chattanooga, Burt attended UTC prior to entering the USARMY, OCS commission in which he retired after 35 years as a Lieutenant Colonel, primarily serving as Supervisory Staff Administrator for 3397th Garrison Reserve Unit. He also had the rank of General in the Tennessee Defense Force. Burt received the Department of Army Commendation for Meritorious Performance and volunteered for the Armed Forces Day Parade for numerous years in addition to being heavily involved in the Reserve Officer’s Association. Burt also served as owner of Sawyer Landscape Group, a company started by his father in 1934 and through this venture he developed his notorious penchant for appreciating everyone he encountered, regardless of role.
Burt was preceded in death by parents Emma and Daniel Sawyer and brother Dick. He is survived by the girl of his dreams of 59 years Clare McReynolds Sawyer, his children Joe (Kim), Beth Wrinkle
(Britt), Dan (Stephanie), Andy (Kathy) and Cammie Hunt (Erik); his sister Carolyn Sawyer Hill and brother John Friedel (Del) Sawyer.
PapaBoo is also survived by his precious grandchildren Brennan Wrinkle (Amanda), Hayley Sawyer, Brittany Quas (Greg), Ellen, Daniel, Ben, Colin, Austin, Sam and Katherine Sawyer, Amelia and Charlie Hunt.
Burt lived in his family home on Tremont Street in North Chattanooga for 70 years, and during the last 44 of those years raised his five children and ran his landscaping business all the while serving his country in the US Army Reserves full time. Burt and Clare spent the last 14 years living it up on the lake where their family established many wonderful memories. Burt loved music and helping others, freely giving tokens of appreciation, and always doing the right thing. He lived a life full of gratitude and treasured precious dances with his bride.
Burt and Clare are active members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where, as a greeter, Burt welcomed parishioners with a warm smile and kind words.
A private family Mass will be celebrated at St. Jude Catholic Church. A celebration of life involving his friends and family will be held at a safer date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to either Notre Dame High School or Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist 423-698-2541