Graham Lansford Sisson died April 7, 2015, in Ringgold, Georgia. He was born May 1, 1930, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Janis P Sisson, his parents, Ottis Graham Lansford and Ione Painter Sisson Kernachan, stepfather, James Sisson, and his daughter, Deidre Sisson Etheridge.
He and his family previously resided in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sheffield, Alabama, Rome, Georgia, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Fairlawn, New Jersey, and San Jose, California.
He attended the Florence Teacher’s College in Florence, Alabama before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and serving in the Korean War. He rose to captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He was an avid Civil War buff. His early work accomplishments included developing the early VCRs and television cable systems. His favorite past times included growing tomatoes, playing with his cats, and riding the back roads of Catoosa County visiting the old homesteads and graves of his relatives, the Graham’s and Lansford’s.
He is survived by his children, Melissa Sisson (Carol Hayes), Kira Sisson Williams (Gene), Angela Sisson Bowman (John), Sandra Sisson Hightower (Greg), Graham Sisson Jr. (Victoria), Emry Sisson (Amy), and Chuck Sisson (Mary). He is survived by his grandchildren, Kate Williams, Rachel Williams-Clark (Taylor), Holly Williams, Ryan Sullivan, Hollin Williams, Christopher Hightower, Emma Sisson, Graham Sisson, Jack Sisson, Charlie Sisson, Bella Sisson, Jennifer Etheridge, and Matthew Etheridge, and great-granddaughter, Sophie Neilson.
We would like to thank the caregivers over the last few months for their compassion and service: Tammy Ashley, Saundra Smith, Ivey Bonner, Susan Waller, and Rebecca Johnson.
There will be a graveside service with interment at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee on April 17, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.
Donations may be made to Catoosa County Animal Shelter: 101 Allmond Trail, Ringgold, GA 30736.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.
