John Byrd Webb

John Byrd "Gaddis" Webb, age 84 of Townsend, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, June 25th, at the family home. He was born in Denmark, South Carolina on January 24, 1925. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Maude Webb and brothers, Jack, D.C. (Booker), and Robert, and sister, Peggy. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Tipton Webb, three sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny and Nancy Webb of Townsend, Wayne and Catherine Webb of St. Helena Island, S. C., Gary and Tiffany Webb of Seymour. Grandchildren are Whitney Webb of Townsend, Michael and Katie Webb of St. Helena Island, Alex and Grant Webb of Seymour. Brother and sister-in -law Ray Gordon and Sara Webb of Walland and sister Ruth Davis of North Carolina, brother-in-law William Tipton of Rockford, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Catherine and V.L. Daughtery of Valdosta, Georgia, and several nieces and nephews. Until his ill health in recent years, he was an active member of The Tuckaleechee United Methodist Church. He served for many years on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and the Administrative Board. He enjoyed regular attendance in Sunday school class. He was also a former member of the Alcoa Kiwanis Club. John was an army veteran of World War II having enlisted July 1943 after his sophomore year in high school and served in Burma until March 1946. In 1950, he graduated from the University of Tennessee after having also attended Milligan College and Tennessee Tech. After receiving his degree, John taught school at Townsend High School and spent his summers working as a ranger in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In 1985, John retired as Territorial Manager of INA/Aetna Division of Cigna after 32 years. His insurance friends referred to him as East Tennessee Man because of his love for the Smoky Mountains. After living in Chicago, Hartford, Nashville and Maryville, he returned to his beloved Townsend where he served as Mayor and Commissioner for a total of 18 years. During his 18 years of service to the city of Townsend, he was instrumental in keeping it, as he called it "the quiet side of the smokies", the way he remembered it as a child growing up there. Among his many accomplishments was the creation of the bike trails, and finding property with Commissioner Ray LaBounty to develop a city park for the Townsend area. The annual compensation check of $2.00 was a special keep sake. He enjoyed working with Boy Scout activities with his three sons who all became Eagle Scouts. During his retirement years he enjoyed travel, gardening, and local card games with friends. The family will receive friends Saturday evening, June 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Maryville. John will Lay in State on Sunday, June 28th from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Tuckaleechee United Methodist Church in Townsend, and the funeral service, to be officiated by Rev. V.L. Daughtery Jr., will begin at 3:30 p.m. Burial to follow at Tuckaleechee Cemetery. The family wishes to express appreciation to their special friend, Nancy Godfrey, and long time caregivers Debbie Cochran and Lorie Ridings as well as several other caregivers, neighbors, and friends for their dedicated care, support, and love through many months of illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a building fund for Tuckaleechee United Methodist Church, 7322 Old Tuckaleechee Rd., Townsend, TN 37882, or its Cemetery Fund, or Campground United Methodist Cemetery Fund, PO Box 236, Townsend, TN 37882. Smith Mortuary, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Byrd Webb please visit our Sympathy Store.