Timothy Dean Gum

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, surrounded by family, Timothy Dean Gum passed away at the age of 79, following a battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Debbie; Their children, Shelly (Austin) and Jason (Marcie); His cherished granddaughter, Lillian; His nephews and nieces: Landon, Ashlee, and Erick, (as well as great-nieces) He was also a very loved GranPaw to many family pets Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Buster and Gladys Gum, and his brother, Gary Gum. Tim grew up on a farm in Texhoma, Oklahoma, and graduated from Texhoma High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1969. Shortly after he joined the Navy Reserve; graduating officer training school as a Lt. Junior Grade. He served in Vietnam from 1969-1971, as a ship engineer and Damage Control officer on the USS Askari ARL30.He started his next chapter in life and his career in Engineering in Chattanooga,TN. There he met and married his wife Debbie, and together they welcomed their two children.In 1991, Tim moved his family to Kennesaw, Georgia, which they have called home for the last 35 years.Tim was a true gentlemen and friend with the deepest and softest heart. He was known for putting others first. He was the steady, sturdy rock of his family and he worked tirelessly to support his family. He continued to stay active and involved long after retirement. Tim built a life centered around engineering, constructing, helping others, being the ultimate family man, and he shared laughter, knowledge, and stories whenever he could. He will be remembered as the best dad, the best husband, the best neighbor, the truest friend and most likely to tell a joke to make you smile. A private ceremony at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN, will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundationhttps://give.michaeljfox.org/campaign/728649/donate?c_src=smcidoc-a1bVL000005lrZ3&utm_source=pmax&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax_Display_US_Fundraising_Q2FY25_May2025&utm_term=int_healthcharityinterests_us_18o_a&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=22531189137&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsqrGmvL-kAMV2ptaBR2plimMEAAYAiAAEgJU4vD_BwE