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Dr. Joe B. Adair © Stephens-Key Funeral & Cremation Care Submitted by: Jo Aguirre
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Dr. Joe B. Adair
November 3, 1945 - September 28, 2024
Dr. Joe B. Adair of Chattanooga (formerly of Tulsa) lived life with the goal of leaving positive "Lifeprints" wherever he went. He died on Saturday, September 28, after a short illness. He left a legacy of "Lifeprints" throughout his lifetime, operating from an inner mission to help heal the sick and enhance well-being for others.
Joe was born in Pryor, Oklahoma and spent his youth in Spavinaw. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa. He attended Oklahoma State University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and served as Vice President. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Oklahoma State University, a Master's Degree in Clinical Audiology from Phillips University, and a Ph.D. in Audiology and Psychoacoustics from the University of Iowa.
In Joe's early career, he worked in hospital and medical office settings assisting people with hearing loss to reclaim the communication ability they had lost. His life- long interest and expertise in psychobiology led to the development of educational and training materials and programs to improve health care outcomes and enhance wellness and well-being. He taught these strategies to teams working with traumatic brain injuries throughout the southeast. He led retreats to teach these principles to people with HIV/AIDS at the peak of the pandemic. He created an outreach program to enhance the health and well-being of those in the inner city of Atlanta, working with Project Health and the Center for Positive Aging, as well inner city churches. While in Atlanta, he served as President of the Atlanta Health Ministries Association. His work brought him an invitation to Chattanooga as a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Psychology, where for two years he taught and did research on the impact of Psychological and Spiritual issues on health and independence in older adults.
For 20 years, Joe served as Vice President of Summit View Senior Community in Chattanooga, creating an alternative approach to senior living that enhanced health and independence rather than the traditional model that simply sells more and more services increasing debilitation. He was deeply loved by all the residents there. Recently, he has been part of a team carrying out a State of Tennessee Resiliency Grant to teach Assisted Livings how to increase independence in older residents instead of delivering services that increase infirmity.
Joe was much more than a wise, caring, and accomplished professional, he was a great friend and supporter, always being an encourager of others. He was an outstanding violinist and bluegrass fiddle player. He loved golf and would have liked to have played more often. He was a member of the Western Band of the Cherokee Indians and spoke fluent Cherokee. Joe was a loving friend to animals and a frequent rescuer of those in need. He was someone you could always count on to be there in your corner. The earth will miss his light and love but his many life prints will live on in those he touched.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Melanie Nelson Adair of Chattanooga, mother, Wilma Jean Adair of Monument, CO, Aunt, Marjorie Wallace of Strang, Ok, sister Jean (Bo) Montgomery and nieces and nephew Mindy, Katy, and Clint (Cassie) Montgomery also of Colorado. He is also survived by brother in law Richard Nelson (Mulu) and nephews Remington and Nate Nelson of Maryland. He was especially appreciative of the loving help, care, and support provided by deer friends Renee Kilgore Parson and Porker Parson as well as April Helson who made his days happier and brighter.
Burial will be in the family plot at the Spavinaw-Strang Cemetery in Oklahoma following a 1pm service at the Stephens-Key Funeral Home in Pryor, OK on Thursday, October 10. Memorial Contributions can be made to the not-for-profit Bounce Back Beds in Assisted Living Project at 620 Cherokee Blvd, Suite 206, Chattanooga, TN 37405.
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