Obituary of Ralph Small Paden

Ralph Small Paden died on October 23, 2016. He was born in Atlanta on June 19, 1933, to Carter N., Sr. and Anna "Brownie" Paden. He moved to Chattanooga at the age of nine attending Lookout Mountain Elementary and graduating from McCallie School. He earned a degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech before returning to Chattanooga to work for the family’s foundry business. After the sale of the family business, he received his MBA from UTC and began a 20-year career at Provident Life & Accident. Following retirement Ralph was member of the NASD Board of Arbitrators for 15 years. He was married in 1983 as a 50-year-old bachelor to Dottie Wallace Bohner, inheriting two sons and a daughter who he grew to love deeply. They each married and gave him nine delightful grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as "Chum". His affable spirit and distinct laugh will be missed. Ralph was a Kiwanian and involved in many community organizations, but church-related activities were his favorites. He spent many years on the Board of Bethel Bible Village, serving as chairman before stepping aside to chair the Investment Committee for over 20 years. He was a lifelong member of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church where he served as elder for 40 years and on several committees, both locally and denominationally in the PCA, before being named Elder Emeritus. He also served as a trustee of the Christian Educational Charitable Trust. He is survived by Dottie, his devoted wife of 33 years; sons, Rick (Connie) Bohner and Alex (Mandy) Bohner, daughter, Debbie Bohner (Carter) Young; grandchildren, David (Rachel), Aimee, Rebekah and Hannah Bohner, Wes, Campbell and Jack Young, Louisa and Frances Bohner. He is also survived by nephews, Carter, Tom, Rob Paden and niece, Dean Paden North, and their families. The family is grateful for the loving care extended to Ralph and his family by the staffs at Alexian 7th Floor and Hearth Hospice. The service will be held at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church on Friday, Oct. 28, at 11:30 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lookout Mountain Presbyterian, Covenant College, or charity of choice. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home and Cremation Center.