Peggie Hixson

Peggie Ann Schimpf Hixson, age 70, passed away on August 21, surrounded by her family after a long illness. She was a devoted mother, a doting grandmother, a supportive sister, and a faithful friend. Her presence will be deeply missed. As one of her oldest friends said, she was simply the irreplaceable Peggie Schimpf Hixson.

Born April 6, 1955, on Signal Mountain, Peggie always considered it her true home. She was a lifelong member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. She attended Red Bank High School, where she excelled in multiple sports, and later graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. At UT, she made many lifelong friends, including her Pi Beta Phi sisters.

Peggie's love for the Tennessee Volunteers ran deep. Although she arrived at UT already a fan, her years in Knoxville only strengthened her passion. She faithfully cheered for the Vols in football, men's and women's basketball, softball, baseball, and nearly any sport in which UT fielded a team. Her absence will be felt especially this upcoming football season.

Peggie shared her love of books and learning with her community. She owned and operated Wild Hare Books on Signal Mountain, where she fostered a love of reading in countless children and adults. From leading story time to hosting midnight release parties for the Harry Potter series, Peggie made the bookstore a gathering place filled with joy and discovery. She was also known for saving many a summer with her knack for stocking the shortest required reading books for last-minute students.

Her passion for education continued when she became a teacher at Thrasher Elementary, the same school she and all of her children attended. She later taught at Siskin and First-Centenary United Methodist Church, always inspiring a love of reading and learning. At every stop, Peggie formed lasting friendships, and her absence will be felt across Chattanooga and beyond.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Virginia Ann Schimpf. She is survived by her children: Rett (Rebecca) Hixson, Sam Hixson, and Virginia (Andrew) Cooke; her grandchildren Scarlette Rebouche, Layne Hixson, and Palmer Ann Cooke (expected September 2025); her brothers: Buck, George, and Happy; sisters-in-law: Darlene, Betty Ann, and Trish; many nieces and nephews; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown by the staff at CHI Memorial Heart Institute, CHI Memorial Hospital, and Hospice of Chattanooga.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. In keeping with Peggie's wishes, the service will conclude in time for everyone to be home for the Tennessee kickoff at 12:00.

A private graveside service will occur at a different time.

In Peggie's honor, we ask that you sing "Rocky Top" just a little louder this season.