Rudolf Erhard Desmond Jr , 91, departed this life and entered into the arms of his Heavenly Father on April 19th.

Rudy was born in 1929 in Queens, NY, the son of  Rudolf and Imelda Desmond and spent his boyhood riding the subway, going to summer camp and enjoying baseball.  After moving with his family to New Orleans, Rudy graduated from Keene Academy in Texas and was invited to join the Army and served with honor as a medic in France during the Korean War era.

After his service he enjoyed many adventures, even hitchhiking across the country with a couple of his buddies, and eventually ended up in Nashville where he met his wife of 63 years Rachel Desmond, née Martin.   After Rudy completed his degree in computer science in Miami the Desmond's moved to Dalton raising three children along the way.  Rudy was a devout Christian and served the Lord faithfully all his days.  He loved his family and had friends all over the country that he kept up with to the last.

He enjoyed singing, the outdoors, the Braves, reading and traveling, playing with his grandchildren and was always ready with a story to tell. He was a member of  Collegedale Community Church as well as the American Legion where he served as treasurer of the Dalton post.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rachel.

He is survived by his three children Carl (Donna) Desmond, Kathleen (Steve) Petarra and Jennifer (Shad) Cloer as well as a sister Norma (Robert) Bowers and many grandchildren & great grandchildren.  The family would like to thank all the nurses and caregivers of Hospice of Chattanooga for their tender care throughout the course of Rudy's journey.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Visit www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 4506 Hixson Pike. (423) 531-3975.