Chris Rader

Neil Christopher Rader, 51, of Orlando, passed unexpectedly into the presence of our
Lord on February 14, 2026. Born on November 13, 1974, in Killeen, TX, and raised in
Chattanooga, TN, Chris lived a life defined by integrity, service, faith, quiet strength, and
unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Chris was a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer, and a proud father to their son, Levi.
His devotion was evident in the everyday moments, the quiet sacrifices, and the way he
consistently placed his family at the center of his life. The love he shared with Jennifer
and Levi formed the foundation of his world, and that love will continue to shine brightly
through them.
A lifelong learner and problem solver, Chris graduated magna cum laude from
Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. He
later earned a Master's Degree in Information Systems Technology and Management
from the Naval Postgraduate School as a Distinguished Graduate and completed a
second Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Central
Florida. His continued education was a testament to his commitment to growth,
excellence, and service.
Chris proudly served his country for 10 years in the United States Navy as an officer in
the Civil Engineer Corps, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Upon graduating from
Tennessee Tech, he felt called to serve his country and entered the Navy in 1995
through the Civil Engineer Corps Collegiate Program and attended Officer Candidate
School in Pensacola, FL, where he was commissioned as an Ensign.
His first assignment took him to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA, where he
served as a Public Works Officer supporting the operation and maintenance of the
base's facilities. His exemplary performance earned him the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and promotion
to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Additionally, he graduated from the Naval Postgraduate
School in Monterey, CA, continuing the academic excellence that shaped his military
and professional career.
Chris' next duty station took him to the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.,
where he combined his engineering background with his expertise in information
technology to support the procurement and implementation of a new engineering
management system for the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. He later served as the
Web Programs Manager for Naval Facilities Engineering Command and was promoted
to Lieutenant during this assignment.
Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, Chris deployed to Baghdad as part of the
Coalition Provisional Authority's Program Management Office in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom. Serving as Deputy Chief Technology Officer, he implemented critical IT
infrastructure essential to rebuilding efforts, designing and standing up secure networks
in a war-torn environment. His technical excellence, leadership, and courage earned
him both the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Commendation
Medal for Meritorious Service from the Department of Defense.

Upon returning stateside, Chris reported to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 in
Mobile, AL, a component of the storied U.S. Navy Seabees. During this tour, he
forward deployed to Okinawa, Japan, further demonstrating his versatility and
commitment to mission. After a decade of honorable service marked by distinction,
Chris transitioned from active duty to begin a private professional career.
Throughout his military service, Chris additionally received the National Defense
Service Medal with one bronze service star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expert Rifle Medal, and the
Navy Expert Pistol Medal.
After completing his military service, Chris continued to pour himself into his community
in Central Florida. A resident of Orlando for the past 18 years, he was deeply committed
to civic engagement and served in various professional leadership roles. He served on
the American Society of Civil Engineers Region 5 Board of Governors and was
recognized with the ASCE 2018 Outstanding Civil Engineer Award and the ASCE 2025
Wall of Fame Award. He served as City Councilmember for the City of Edgewood,
Director of Engineering for the City of Altamonte Springs, and HOA President for
Legacy at Lake Jessamine. In every role, he sought practical solutions, thoughtful
collaboration, and the long term good of the community. He believed service was not a
title but a responsibility.
Chris had a gift for improving and fixing things-cars, computers, motorcycles, home
projects, engineering designs, his golf game, and Jennifer's endless honey do list. His
engineer's mind was matched by a generous heart. Whether responding to a friend or
family member's call for help, he approached every task with patience and
determination. His in laws affectionately nicknamed him "the doctor" for his
decades long ability to diagnose and repair just about anything placed before him. For
Chris, problem solving was more than a skill; it was an expression of love.
Throughout his life, Chris remained a member of the Baptist faith and practiced what he
preached. His testimony stood as a tribute to the type of leadership God called him to
fulfill. He walked humbly, loved deeply, and gave freely of his time and talents. He
offered quiet counsel, committed friendship, and a calm presence in times of
uncertainty. Throughout his life, he made a lasting difference-not through loud words,
but through consistent action and integrity.
Chris is survived by his wife of 17 years, Jennifer; his year old son, Levi; his father
and stepmother, Eddie and Sheila Rader; his mother and stepfather, Susan and Ron
Cates; his brother, Aaron Rader; his sisters, Meredith Cates and Lori Allen; his nieces
Hannah Ford, Faith Allen, and Allie Whalen; his nephews Sam Robinson and Knox
McGinnis; and many extended family members and close friends who were blessed to
know him.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing Chris is standing before our Father renewed and reunited with the Lord we serve. His legacy of love, service, and friendship will live on in his family, his community, and all whose lives he touched.

Service Information:
Monday, March 9 | Orlando, FL
First Baptist Orlando (Henry Chapel), Orlando, FL (open to all)
Visitation: 10am
Funeral Service: 11am
Light Reception: 12pm
Friday, March 13 | Chattanooga, TN
Graveside Burial: 1pm at Chattanooga National Cemetery (invite only)
Celebration of Life: 3:30pm at Brainerd Baptist BX (open to all)