Cartlidge, longtime religion professor at MC, dies at 89
Sept. 3, 2021
Dr. David R. Cartlidge, Ralph W. Beeson Chair of Religion Emeritus at Maryville College, died on Aug. 20, 2021, in Chattanooga, Tenn., while residing near his daughter’s home. He was 89.
Cartlidge joined the Maryville College faculty in the fall of 1966 as an assistant professor of Bible and religion after earning a doctor of theology degree from Harvard Divinity School, where he studied New Testament theology under the tutelage of noted 20th Century religion scholars Helmut Koester and Krister Stendahl. He also held a master of divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree from Wooster College.
At the College, “Dr. C” regularly taught New Testament, Greek and several interdisciplinary courses that explored religion and art, literature and current events. He was promoted to professor of religion and chaired the College’s Department of Religion and Philosophy for several years. He co-authored two books, Documents and Images for the Study of the Gospels, with Dr. David L. Dungan, and Art and the Christian Apocrypha, with Dr. J. Keith Elliott. In 1992, Cartlidge was installed as the College’s first Ralph W. Beeson Chair of Religion.
An Eagle Scout, lifelong scholar and athlete, he held many interests and built expertise in fields outside religion and philosophy. During his tenure at the College, he coached the women’s tennis team, played the flute in both the college-community orchestra and band, and occasionally taught photography. An accomplished and regionally known photographer who built a darkroom in his home, he regularly displayed his images at the homecoming craft fair.
Recognized with “emeritus” status at his retirement in 1997, Cartlidge was commended for his contributions to various areas of the College by then Academic Dean Dr. Dean Boldon.
“ … his colleagues have noted well a scholar of amazing depth and reach, with interests and abilities that range from philosophy to physics, from athletics to music, and on to several languages and academic disciplines,” Boldon said.
He taught part-time in 1998, and in retirement was still a regular presence at College athletic events and on the tennis courts. He continued to spend summers at Congregational Summer Assembly in Benzie County, Mich., where he served as a swimming instructor, tennis coach, groundskeeper, choir member and guest preacher.
He is survived by his children, Daniel Cartlidge of Sarasota, Fla., Ruth Thompson and son-in-law Art Thompson of Chattanooga, his grandchildren Christine Cartlidge, Kevin Cartlidge, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Perez Cartlidge, and great-granddaughter Cora Grace Cartlidge, of San Diego, Calif.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Florence Macleod Cartlidge; sister Mary Ann Cartlidge LaFountaine; and his parents, the Rev. Dr. A. Ray and Mary A. Cartlidge.
“Over the course of decades, he taught generations of young people the values of Christian service, exploration of faith, and the stewardship of nature. He was an avid sailor and hiker who spent a lifetime exploring the lakes and dunes of Northwestern Michigan,” read an obituary shared with the College by his family. “To his family and close friends, Dave was a formidable, loving punster that kept us gathering, singing, and laughing until the moment he died. We will miss him with every breath that we take.”
The professor emeritus will be interred in the Maryville College Cemetery. Because of public health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, the family requests that gifts in honor of Dr. David R. Cartlidge be sent to either the Friends of the Smokies or the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
