James Mize

James Fred Mize, known by many as Pop Pop, of Louisville, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at UT Medical Center. He was born in Union County to Ernest and Lillie Witt Mize and moved to Maryville at the age of 7. A member for many years of Fairview United Methodist Church and joined Madison Avenue Baptist Church in 1984. Fred loved people and life, never met a stranger, had a great sense of humor, and was a teller of many, many stories both historic and funny. A veteran of World War II serving in the US Army as a Private First Class in Company D 597th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion receiving World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon GO 23 HQ USAFFE 45, AP Theater and two Bronze Service Stars. He received an honorable discharge on January 7, 1946 at Camp Chaffee, AR. Fred was a member of NARF and retired from the US Post Office as a Rural Letter Carrier with 30 years service in Blount County. He served as President and PAC Chairman of the Tennessee Rural Letter Carrier Association, as well as other offices for the state and county association. He was elected delegate to the National Convention for many years until his health prohibited his traveling. During this time he traveled many miles assisting other carriers and cherished many lifetime friends and memories he gained along the way. Survivors include: wife of 33 years, Wanda L. Mize; daughter, Janie Milsaps Haley of Maryville; grandson, Brad and Emily Milsaps; great-grandchildren, Ellen & Will of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Drew and Ann Milsaps; great-grandchildren, Riley & Reese of Knoxville; stepdaughter, Cynthia & Mladen Bestvina; step grandchildren, Isabella, Maya and Thomas of Salt Lake City, UT; stepson, Robert Shipley and Tim Powell; step grandchildren, Sarah & Adam of Knoxville; stepdaughter, Jeanne Shipley of Knoxville. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, 1918 Madison Avenue, Maryville TN, with funeral service following conducted by Dr. Glenn Cummings and Dr. Steve Hodges. Private interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Heart Association, Inc., 4708 Papermill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909-1972 or 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231-5129. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Mize please visit our Sympathy Store.