John Paul Davis, Jr.

John Paul “Johnny Paul�? Davis Jr. age 64 of Walland passed away Monday, August 22, 2011 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. John was a member of Prospect Baptist Church where he was a descendant of the church founding members. Preceded in death by: Parents, J. Paul Davis & Martha Avis Willocks Davis; Brother, Eddie Lynn Davis. Survivors include: Loving and Devoted Wife of 46 years, Ruth Caughron Davis; Sons & Daughters-in-law, John P. III & Rhonda Davis and Chris & Melinda Davis all of Walland; Grandsons, John P. IV, Ryan, Jebediah, and Christopher; Granddaughters, Johnna Lynn and Taylor; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members also survive. John was a life-long resident of Blount County, Tennessee, and a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, friend and community leader. He was very proud of his heritage, his family and their accomplishments in Blount County. John became employed with Blount County Schools, beginning his employment as a janitor. Through determination and strength, he completed his education and worked his way through the ranks of the Blount County School system, becoming a teacher at Lanier Elementary, teaching-principal at Rush Strong and Chilhowee View Schools; assistant principal at Walland Middle and Heritage High, principal at Eagleton Elementary and William Blount High, supervisor at Blount County Schools Central Office, and teacher at Porter Elementary. He was elected as School Superintendent and as a Blount County School board member, where he also served as Chairman of the Board. John was an advocate for the students, teachers, and employees of Blount County Schools, being the voice in the forefront, constantly and passionately, pursuing better schools, better pay, and a better quality of life for all. During his administration as Superintendent of Schools and while serving as a member of the Blount County Board of Education, numerous schools in Blount County were constructed and/or renovated. John faithfully served as a member on numerous Boards and Committees, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Blount County Soil Conservation District, the Blount County Farm Bureau, and the Blount County Livestock Association. He was the fourth generation to operate the family farm in the Prospect/Oak View Community, where he dedicated his life to his goal of leaving the land in better shape than he found it by implementing and promoting sound ecologically friendly conservation practices. John received many local and state awards for his achievements in livestock production and farm and forest management. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 25, 2011 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. Ernest Condee officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 26, 2011 at Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Cades Cove Preservation Association, PO Box 213, Alcoa, TN 37701 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 25, 2011 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Paul Davis, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.