Jackson Blaine Richesin Jr.

Jackson Blaine Richesin Jr. was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on October 29, 2015. Jack was born on August 31, 1922 in Loudon County. He was a World War II Veteran that served his country in the United States Navy. He became politically active on both the state and local levels. Locally, he served for many years on the Blount County Election Commission and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Senator Howard Baker selected Jack to coordinate the Job Corp for the State of Tennessee and later he was appointed to the staff of Governor Lamar Alexander as Tennessee Commissioner of Labor. He retired from ALCOA where he served many years as vice-president of Local 309 United Steelworkers Union. As a great man of faith he actively served as a leader and a deacon at Monte Vista Baptist Church. He is survived by his beloved wife Ruth of 73 years, who loving cared for him as he battled Alzheimer's disease for 15 years. He is also survived by three children and their spouses; Linda and Jim Malone, Don and Debbie Richesin, Cindy and Bill Henegar. Devoted sister, Anna Vandetta Sneed of Madisonville and several nieces & nephews. His surviving grandchildren are Jay Malone and wife Becky of Maryville, Andrea Richesin and husband Joel of San Rafael, California, Wendy Richesin-Dodd and husband Colin of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Drew Henegar and Blake Henegar of Maryville. His greatgrandchildren include Cameron Malone, Caroline Malone, Ava Richesin-Dodd, Harper Richesin-Dodd, and Olivia Warwick. He was preceded in death by his parents Jackson Blaine Richesin and Thelma Lovingood Richesin, his sisters Josephine Harrill and Evelyn Maxine Shirley. Our heartfelt gratitude to the loving caregivers of WilliamsburgVillas and Smoky Mountain Hospice. Family and friends will gather at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 at Grandview Mausoleum Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with Reverends Jim and Jay Malone officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jack’s name to Pat Summitt Foundation www.patsummitt.org . Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 9831000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jackson Blaine Richesin Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.