Robert W. Memmer

MEMMER, ROBERT W. - age 78, of Knoxville, formerly of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away Monday afternoon, October 3, 2011. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force and then worked in the floor covering business. He moved to Knoxville in 1976 with his wife and three daughters. The founder of The Carpet Workroom, he was well respected as a local businessman, entrepreneur, and artisan in the local interior design market. He enjoyed 19 years of sobriety, dedicating himself to serving others as a mentor and striving daily to "live life on life's terms." A compassionate and generous man, he believed in treating everyone with respect and dignity. He was the source of endless stories and humor and was the quintessential problem-solver to all who knew and loved him. He was also an exemplary father who walked by faith and taught by example and will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his positive outlook and his integrity. He was preceded in death by: wife of 54 years, Jane; parents, Robert M. and Dorothy Memmer; brother, James Memmer. Robert is survived by: daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Marshall Smith, Linda and Hugh Davis, Laura Ahmaed; grandchildren, Matthew and Tyler Smith, Katie and Evvie Davis, Lila and Sharif Ahmaed; "son" Mark DeBord; sister and brother Barbara Vandergraff and Rick Memmer; many other family and friends. The family and friends will meet Thursday at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (Lyons View Pike) for a 1:30 PM graveside service with Rev. Jeff Tallent officiating. Full Military Honors presented by the Volunteer State Veterans' Honor Guard. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 7:30 PM Wednesday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com.