05/19/2026
David Randall Chamberlain, 76, of Ooltewah, TN, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. Born in White Pine, TN on March 21, 1950, to the late Reverend William B. and Leora Garner Chamberlain, David grew up in Pennsylvania and Tennessee where his father pastored.
David’s personal accomplishments are numerous, including graduating with Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration Degrees (both with honors) from the University of Tennessee with concentrations in economics, finance, and statistics. He also served 8 years in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer with Top Secret clearance and it was while he was stationed at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, where he met his surviving wife of 52 years, Chieko Kikunaga Chamberlain. Once leaving the Air Force, he spent 32 years as an economist and statistician at Tennessee Valley Authority, as well as a part-time professor of Finance and Operations Management at University of Phoenix and Aquinas College in Nashville, TN. After retiring from TVA 17 years ago, he has been acting as consultant, mentor and cheerleader to his daughter’s company.
While there are many more accomplishments since he was a lifelong learner, to those who knew him, it was his character that defined him. He was best known for being a devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle, mentor and friend. He was best described as selfless, non-judgmental, a man of faith, integrity, kindness, positivity, and nothing made him happier than to see others happy and thriving. He lived an amazing life and those that knew him are blessed to have been chosen to cross paths with him.
David was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents as previously mentioned, and his sister, JoAnn Chamberlain Edwards. Survivors include his wife as previously mentioned, his only child, Tiffany Chamberlain, his sisters Brenda (Jack) Edwards and Rachel (Ronnie) Fugate, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Samurai.
David’s sayings in most recent times include, “Keep It Movin’” (meaning, don’t dwell if something negative happens) and “Listen to Brother Joel” (referencing the positivity preachings of Pastor Joel Osteen). We intend to honor those pieces of advice.
Our family wishes to recognize the outstanding services of CHI Memorial’s Medical ICU Unit, Chattanooga Heart Institute, Vanderbilt Heart Failure Program and the countless doctors and nurses that contributed to his care.
Vaughn Funeral Home in Spring City, TN (www. vaughn-funeral-home.com) will be handling the cremation and here will be a Celebration of Life announced in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers or food gifts to the family, please honor David by doing one of the following: (1) making a donation to this GoFundMe https://gofund.me/e7aaa4c58 where 100% of the proceeds will be donated in David’s name to Lee University in Cleveland, TN; or, (2) simply by paying it forward by encouraging and being kind to others.
