Barney L. Roth Jr, 100, passed away July 7, 2023 at Life Care of Red Bank in Red Bank, TN. He was born September 1, 1922 to the late Barney L. Roth Sr. and Ruby E. (McGowan) Roth.

Barney was born and raised in Chattanooga.  He graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1939.  He later attended the College of Charleston.  Barney served in the US Army along with his brother Homer.  Barney served in combat in the Philippines and Guam.  Upon returning from the war, he was assigned to Ft Jackson, SC as a basic training company commander.  For many years, several of his former trainees would honor him with a dinner for reminiscing and to thank him for his rigid but fair training – turning them from boys to men in eight weeks.  Upon leaving the military Barney worked as a real estate agent and insurance adjuster.  At one point, following in his father's footsteps who was a long time and well-known local police officer, Barney ran for Police Commissioner.

Horses were Barney's passion. Barney was a horseman of the highest standards for the better part of his life. Barney's father, Barney Roth, Sr. had served in the cavalry with Gen Pershing, so it was inevitable that Barney Junior would develop a lifelong attachment to horses as well.  Barney became an outstanding and widely-recognized horseman and polo player. While serving in the Army in World War II stationed in Austria, he was noticed by the Director of the Spanish Riding School, Alois Podhasjsky. Mr. Podhasjsky was watching the polo game and was overheard telling his staff, "I want that crazy American in my school." Barney then trained for a year with the well-known Lipazzner stallions at the Spanish Riding School. The school had been moved to Austria during the war to save the horses. Barney, Jr was a longtime member of the United States Equestrian Team. After he retired from the Army, Barney owned and operated a recognized horse-training facility. In an effort to pass along his knowledge, he never charged his students for their lessons. Much sought after as a judge for horse shows, Barney traveled throughout the United States. Always seeking the teaching moments, Barney quietly whispered to the participants in horse shows he judged why they did or did not win ribbons

He was an avid fan of the girls' softball team at the University of Chattanooga/Tn.   So much so that he has his name on a softball on the outfield wall at their home park.  He was honored with a dinner the night of the dedication of his plaque.

Barney was a combat veteran, a patriot, a beloved friend.  He will be missed by our country.

Preceded in death by: the late Barney L. Roth Sr. and Ruby E. (McGowan) Roth and his brother LTC (Ret) Homer Roth.

Survived By: his nephews LTC (Ret) Ron Roth and Douglas Roth; his sister-in-law Charlotte Roth; his niece Helen June Cunningham and her husband Ben.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home Hixson, TN from 9:00am-11:30, Wednesday July 12, 2023. Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 in the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to any veterans' association honoring and caring for our veterans.

Arrangements entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Service 4506 Hixson Pike Hixson, TN 37343. 423.531.3975.