Dr. Rex Edward Rader, Jr.

Dr. Rex Edward Rader Jr. DDS, FAGD, MAGD, 78, was born September 4, 1943 in Jacksonville, Florida, and went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 19, 2021.

The son of the late Capt. Rex E. and Elizabeth Rader, Rex graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Economics in 1965. While in College, he was a member of the University of Maryland Rifle Team and was an All-American Rifle shooter in 1964. He married the love of his life, Jean Hayes, in September 1964. He later enlisted in the US Navy in 1965 and became a Supply Corps Officer and served on the destroyer USS Richard S. Edwards and deployed twice to Vietnam. He then returned to school at the University of Maryland and obtained his dental degree from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1975. He completed his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1976.

In 1976, he chose to make Cookeville, TN his home and opened his dental practice. He was a member of Cookeville First United Methodist Church where he volunteered his time through Volunteers in Mission. He gave of his talent for Dentistry and his love for Christ by traveling on 5 mission trips to various islands in the Caribbean.

In 1985, he relocated to Chattanooga, TN where he practiced dentistry until he retired in 2012. He was a life member of both the American Dental Association and the Tennessee Dental Association, Chattanooga Area Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He was a member of Hixson United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School classes, was a member of Men’s Bible Studies, small groups, Prayer Team, served as usher, and in various other capacities.

He was an avid hiker, camper, and rock climber, former Boy Scout, and enjoyed spending time with his family, studying the Bible, rebuilding VW engines, fixing anything around the house, watching movies, and listening to music. He had a great love for learning and teaching others.

Dr. Rader was an organ donor through the Tennessee Donor Services. His legacy will live on, as his life is woven throughout the hearts of many and will be an inspiration to all who knew him.
He leaves a wonderful legacy of faith for his family, as a devoted husband, a Godly Christian father, a loving grandfather, son, brother, uncle, dentist, and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean, and daughters Melissa Rader of Hixson, TN and Katherine (Chad) Garland of Katy, TX, and grandchildren Kaley (14), Eli (11), and Piper (8), sisters Sue (Wayne) Bozeman of Enfield, NC, Nan Boothe of Birmingham, AL, and brother Dr. Tom Rader of Winchester, Virginia.

He is preceded in death by his parents Capt. Rex E. and Elizabeth (Betty) Rader.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, December 18th, 1-3:00 pm EST, at Hixson United Methodist Church (5301 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN), followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 pm. Fellowship time will be held in the Atrium following the service.

The graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 19th, at 2:00 pm CST, at Fraser’s Chapel Cemetery in Sparta, TN (5930 Big Bottom Road, Sparta, TN). A reception will follow at the family farm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fraser’s Chapel Cemetery Fund (checks payable to Fraser’s Chapel Cemetery Fund, 536 Butts Bridge Road, Sparta, TN 38583) or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at CompanionFunerals.com.