Francis Joseph "Joe" Burger, PhD, 76, of Athens, passed away Thursday morning, March 29, 2018.
He was a native of McMinn County and was a son of the late Millard H. and Dorothy Ray Burger. He was preceded in death by his brother Larry Burger.
He was of the Methodist Faith. He was a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College (University), where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Joe graduated from Duke University with a Master's degree in Mathematics, and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry.
He was associated with Bayer Corporation as a Chemist until his retirement in 2008.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Era Burger of San Diego, CA; two granddaughters, Annabelle and Charlotte Burger; sister Kayte and her husband Don Hunt of Chattanooga; brother David and his wife Peggy Burger of Englewood; brother Steve and his wife Kathy Burger of Riceville, TN; and sister-in-law, Edna Bates Burger of Salisbury, NC.
A graveside service will be conducted, 1:30 pm, Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Cedar Grove cemetery with Rev. Charla Sherbakoff officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Home prior to the graveside service.

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