John Reese
John Thomas Reese, 84, of Ooltewah, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2017.
He was born in Edwina, Cocke County, Tn. He attended Bruners Grove, Liberty Hill and Fall Branch, Tennessee Elementary Schools; thereafter Paris, Kentucky, Rising Sun, Indiana and Patriot, Indiana High Schools. He graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He undertook post-graduate engineering studies at UT- Chattanooga and Hartford University, Hartford, Ct., from 1958-1962. He was member of the American Chemical Society, the Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Chattanooga Engineers Club. During his career a number of technical papers and patents documenting his research results were published.
He began employment in 1956 with a titanium producer, Cramet, Inc. in Chattanooga. Upon closure of Cramet in 1957, he joined Combustion Engineering, Inc., Kreisinger Research Laboratory in Chattanooga and later in Windsor, Ct.
He joined TVA in 1965 as an analytical chemist, working in various positions in Tennessee and Kentucky. In 1985 he was appointed plant manager of TVA’s Cumberland Power Plant, the largest operating plant in the TVA system at that time. He retired from TVA in 1992 with 26 years of service.
After retirement he enrolled in Chattanooga State Community College, and graduated in 1996 with a degree in Legal Assisting Technology. Thereafter he joined the Fleissner Law firm as a paralegal and retired again in 2003.
Throughout his adult years, John was a faithful follower of Christ and served as a member at White Oak Baptist Church, Savannah UMC and finally, Broad Street UMC.
John was an avid genealogical researcher in his later years. He engaged in researching the history of 16 family surnames, prepared formal reports for several, and was a co-author of the book “Chasing Conways”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Rose Reese; and sister, Mary Huntsman.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Nina; daughter, Vicki (Don) Sewell; granddaughters, Sarah (Cary) Pierce and Katie (Carl) Barnhill; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Evan and Wesley; brother, Joseph Reese; sister, June Sawyer; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the funeral home with Reverend Mark Barber officiating.
Burial will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park in Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 519 E. 4th St. Chattanooga, Tn. 37403.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.