James Leon Berrong

James Leon Berrong, age 82, of Maryville passed away at home on Thursday, February 18, 2010. He was born on March 19, 1927. He attended Everett High School and graduated from Friendsville Academy. Leon graduated from Maryville College and received a masters degree from the University of Tennessee. While at Maryville College, he lettered over 12 times in sports which included baseball, basketball, and football. Playing football at Maryville College earned him the title of “Little All American.�? He also played in the Tangerine Bowl in Florida and is a long time member of Maryville College Wall of Fame as well as Blount County Hall of Fame. In August of 2009, Leon was honored as a long time supporter of Maryville College and golf in the community. After serving the Army from 1951 to 1953 Leon became the head basketball coach and assistant football coach at Greenville High School in Greenville, TN. He left his teaching and coaching career to become a sales representative for various companies including Vulcan Materials (Lambert Brothers), McDowell Equipment, and Koch materials. Leon and his wife and sons own and operate Lambert Acres Golf Course in Maryville. Leon served on the Board of Directors for Blount Memorial Hospital and Maryville Parks and Recreation. He also served at a Blount County Commissioner from 1969 to 1975. Leon was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Maryville. He was preceded in death by: Parents, E. King Berrong and Susie Hitson Berrong; Brother, Robert “Bobby�? Berrong; Sister-in-law, Jean Berrong. Survivors include: Wife, Mary Lynn Lambert Berrong; Sons, James Lee Berrong and Kenneth “Nick�? Berrong; Grandchildren, Chadwick Robinson Berrong and Caroline Elizabeth Berrong; Daughter-in-law, Gale Robinson Berrong. Family and friends may call at their convenience at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. There will be a private burial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to: First Baptist Church of Maryville Building Fund, 202 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37801, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 3736 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37804, or the Leon Berrong Scholarship at Maryville Parks and Recreation, 316 S. Everett High Road, Maryville, TN 37804. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Leon Berrong please visit our Sympathy Store.