Martha Bachman Obituary

BRISTOL, TN - Martha Massengill Bachman passed away on February 23, 2024 at the Hospice House in Bristol, Tennessee. She was 69. Martha was born on February 23, 1955 in Bristol, Virginia. She was the only child of the late J.W. and Willie Massengill.

Martha lived in Chuckey, Tennessee for most of her childhood. Her father was a prominent Greene County dairy farmer, and her mother was a respected elementary school teacher.

Martha's upbringing on the farm was rural and family-oriented, which she enjoyed. She was active as a youth in 4-H where she showed registered Holstein-Friesian dairy cows.

Martha graduated Chuckey-Doak High School in 1973. She studied education at East Tennessee State University. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1977. Upon graduating, Martha taught kindergarten for two school years in Greene County.

Martha's compatibility with her husband, Phil Bachman, steered the rest of her adulthood. She and Phil married in 1979. They complemented each other and shared many interests. Martha supported Phil in his professional pursuits and hobbies throughout their 44 years of marriage.

Much of Phil's success as an automobile dealer, bank director, and entrepreneur was due to Martha's support. Having a knack for business, Martha was an owner of Lancaster's Jewelers in Greeneville from the early 1980s until 2008. She served as a director of Greene County Bank, later renamed GreenBank, from 2005 until 2011. She was a director of Capital Bank from 2011 until 2017.

There were several interests that Martha followed alongside her husband. One such endeavor challenged her to become a private pilot. Trepidatious though she was, she achieved an instrument rating in a single-engine, four-seater airplane. She co-piloted on adventures near and far. Her farthest flight was from Greeneville, Tennessee to Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico.

Martha had a sense of adventure and was passionate about travel. She saw all the continents except South America and Antarctica.

Martha was an expert on Ferrari cars, having participated with Phil in the restoration and showing of the sports cars for 30 years. Applying her knowledge and attention to detail, Martha served as a judge at Ferrari Club of America shows. She earned the highest rank of Life Judge for her 27 years of participation. She and Phil also drove in the Colorado Grand, an annual 1,000-mile charity rally, in a Venetian Red 1956 Corvette for 21 years.

Martha was a selfless, dedicated lady. She focused on her family and activities in which she was involved. Kindness and sincerity stemmed from her core. Those attributes touched those around her.

She took no blessing for granted. Rather, she was grateful for the wonderful experiences that she encountered. She reflected with gratitude upon both her quaint upbringing and the adventures and opportunities that filled her adult life.

Martha grew up in the Methodist Church in Chuckey. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Greeneville for 44 years. She trusted God's direction for her life even during the cancer struggles of her final months.

Martha is survived by her husband, Philip M. Bachman, Jr.; son and daughter-in-law, Philip M. Bachman, III and Amanda L. Bachman; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, John William "J.W." Massengill and Willie Clemmer Massengill.

The Bachman family is grateful for the assistance and concern that so many gave to Martha in recent months. Her physicians both at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and locally in Northeast Tennessee, her hospice team, and her helpers Renee Morelock and Lynn Petree deserve special thanks.

A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church in Greeneville, Tennessee on March 4 at 4:00 PM. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Martha will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol, Tennessee after a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Niswonger Children's Hospital, 1019 W. Oakland Ave., Suite 2, Johnson City, TN 37604 or online. Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements