Rev. John F. Davis
(July 11, 1922 - December 3, 2010)





Rev. John F. Davis, age 88, passed away Friday, December 3, 2010. He was born July 11, 1922 in Fanin County, Georgia. He was currently Pastor of Harmony Chapel Freewill Independent Baptist Church and had Pastored and preached at other local churches for the last 51 years. John and his family did a local "Gospel Broadcast" program on WGAP radio where he preached and his family sang for several years. He was in the Army where he served in the European Theatre during World War II in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany and Belgium. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Commendation Medals after being wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. He also was a butcher at J & K Stores, Rhyne's Food Market, and Sterling's IGA until retirement and became a full-time Pastor. Throughout his ministry, he touched many, many lives, and will be remembered for his meekness, his love for the Lord, his family, and his church family. He was asked "When are you going to quit preaching?" and he would respond by saying, "There is no quitting place. I'll preach as long as God lets me." We're going to miss you Pap and look forward to seeing you in that Heavenly home! Some of Preacher Johnny's Favorite scripture: I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalms 122:1 and For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Roman 1:16. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John F. Davis and Nancy Elrod Davis; sister, Mary Mulkey; and other half-brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eula "Mommy" Tyler Davis; son and daughter-in-law, John and Susan Davis of Friendsville; daughter, Judy Fields of Maryville; daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Randal Walker of Maryville; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Kim Davis of Maryville; grandchildren, Steve and Joanna Davis, Angela Long, Jeff and Melissa Fields, Kim and Jamie Eady, Terry Walker, and Lisa Walker; great-grandchildren, Brittany Davis, Rachael and Randy Huffstetler, Ashley Lynn, Kailee Long, Austin Fields, Corey Morgan, Abbey, Gabe, Delaney, and Emily Eady, Justin and Macy Walker, Alex Walker, and Madison Reagan; and sisters, Izena Kincaid and Estelle Tyler. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Blount Memorial, and Morning View Transitional Care, and to the congregation of Harmony Chapel Freewill Independent Baptist Church. Many heartfelt thanks for all of the prayers and visits during his illness. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010 at Miller Funeral Home, Magnolia Chapel, with Rev. J.C. Millard and Rev. Bob Nuchols officiating. The interment will be held at 10:00 AM Monday at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville.