James N. Peacock III

James Neely Peacock III passed away Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at home. Jim was born February 1, 1939 in Albany, GA to the late James N. Peacock Jr. and Grace Flowers Peacock. After high school, he joined the Marine Corps and served from 1956 - 1959. A much valued and respected employee of Morrison's Management company for over 35 years, Jim opened the first Morrison's Cafeteria in Maryville's Foothills Mall in the early 1980's. Afterwards he worked at UT Hospital as Director of Nutrition and Food Services for over 10 years where he was known as a mentor and advocate for his staff. He was instrumental in the initial design of the present cafeteria which was featured in Food Management Magazine and was recognized as Manager of the Year in 1991. An avid shooting enthusiast all his life, Jim was well known for his expertise and for often being a "Top Gun Shooter." However, Jim will always be best known as an honorable, kind and courteous Christian man with a deep respect for others. Although ill over a decade, he never complained and always had a smile for everyone. Through the years, Jim was blessed to have several organizations that meant much to him. He was a charter member of the Lt. Alexander Bonneyman Chapter of the Marine Corps League in Knoxville, a lifetime member of the Downtown Sertoma Club in Knoxville, TN, a Mason with the Kerbella Temple as well as a member of Fairview United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by: Sister, Anna Peacock Matthews. Jim is survived by: His wife and best friend of 30 years, Cecelia Pledger Peacock as well as sons, James Eric Peacock, Ricky (wife Carleen) Peacock, their children James and Jacob and daughter, Stephanie Peacock Carpenter (husband Chris) and their children Riley, Paige, Griffen and Dawson, as well as his step-mother, Ann Peacock Voss; brothers, Robert (wife Esther) Peacock, David (wife Jody) Peacock; sister, Melanie (husband Bob) Peacock Shell and their children. While it is always impossible to thank all of the kindness so many people have bestowed, our family would be remiss not to thank Anita Decker for her daily help through the years, our other wonderful neighbors, dear friends from work (our Morrison's family) especially Susanne Nelms and Sereta Pratt, our church family and staff, the Marine Corps League, Dr. David Hauge, Dr. Jeffrey Hecht, Dr. Jonathan Martin, the Baptist Hospitalist Group, Nursing and Respiratory Staff at Baptist West Hospital, and the Hospice Staff from Amedisys who were always there for us. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: Fairview United Methodist Church Missions, 2508 Ole Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37803, the Marine Corps League or Shriner's Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Grandview Cemetery with Dr. Jerry Russell officiating. On the following Sunday, March 15, 2009 the family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 PM at Fairview United Methodist Church with a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 PM. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James N. Peacock III please visit our Sympathy Store.