John T. McGaha

John T. McGaha, age 85, of Dandridge, passed away, Monday, July 28, 2008 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church; and faithfully attended Swannsylvania Baptist Church, Dandridge. He was employed by ENKA for 33 years; member of Masonic Brazelton Lodge #190, graduate of Newport Grammar School and Cocke County High School, and also served in the Army Air Corp, during WWII. John was born August 17, 1922 in Cosby to the late John T. McGaha, Sr. and Sophronia Harrell McGaha Valentine; also preceding him in death were his wife of 50 years, Lucy Fine McGaha; step father, Press M. Valentine; and sister, Dorothy Valentine. He is survived by his children, John Timothy McGaha and wife Patty, Pamela McGaha Williams and husband, Wendell, Gerry Vess Ball and husband, Harold, Betty Vess Potts and husband Bob; sisters, Mabel McGaha Haynes, Kennesaw, GA, and Mary Valentine Catron, of Tupelo, AL; grandchildren, T. J. and Bailee McGaha, Dustin and Matthew Williams, Terry and Ronny Ball, Mike, Tony, David and Debra Potts; great grandchildren, Noah Taylor/McGaha, John Tucker Williams, Jessica Anne, Sarah, Will, Emma and Ronny Jr. Ball, Malachi, Stevie, Cassie, Nicholas, Alan, Jarett, Cori, Jordan and Jason Potts; nieces, Sarah Beth and Julie Catron; nephews, Ron and Harrell Haynes; and a host of other family and friends. The family would like to give a special thanks to Joann and Garrett with Adventa Hospice; Dr. Swanson and staff. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Manes Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 am, Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Swannsylvania Baptist Church, with Rev. Mike Hensley and Rev. Harold Ball officiating, burial will follow in Swannsylvania Church Cemetery, with L/Cpl Charles C. Roberts DAV Chapter 102 conducting military rites. The body will lie in state from 9-10 a.m. Thursday at the church prior to the funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Swannsylvania Baptist Church, God's Willing Vessels Food Pantry, 921 Swannsylvania Road, Dandridge, TN 37725. John was active in this program and loved helping to distribute the food with his wonderful smile and love. Manes Funeral Home in charge.

John T. McGaha

August 17, 1922 - July 28, 2008