Martha Bachman Feb 23, 1955 - Feb. 23, 2024

    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, the only child of the late J.W. and Willie Massengill.

    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.

    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 deserve special thanks.
Martha’s upbringing on a 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.

    She studied education at East Tennessee State University, earning a 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.

    There were several interests that Martha followed alongside her husband. One such endeavor challenged her to become a private pilot and she achieved an instrument rating in a single-engine, four-seater airplane. 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 Ferraris, 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 events. 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.

    I met Martha many times at Cavallino and Annual Meets, but I did not know her background. I could have told you how sincere and kind she was - several years ago the Southeast region took a trip to the Bachman’s garage in Greeneville. She was my personal tour guide, patiently answering my questions about the cars in their collection.

    I looked forward to seeing her on the concours field whether they were showing a car or she was judging. I will miss her.
A memorial service was held at First Presbyterian Church in Greeneville, Tennessee, on March 4. Martha was laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol, Tennessee.      Cathy Roush

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