John Michael Temple
John Michael Temple, 83, of East Ridge, TN passed away Friday, March 24, 2023. He was a native of Carthage, Mississippi, but lived most of his life in East Ridge, Tennessee. John was a lifelong member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church and was a member of the Pioneer Sunday School Class. John earned his Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga before serving two years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Monmouth, NJ. After serving in the Army, he returned to the University of Chattanooga where he ran the computer center and was an instructor. During that time, John went to college in the evening and earned his MBA. John was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and President of the Senior Class and the Blue Key Honor Society.
He entered the business world and became the head of the IT department at Gerber/Buster Brown, then Red Food Stores followed by Horace Small Company. Following retirement he played golf for two years and discovered that he would not qualify for the pro tour. He then became a successful Real Estate Agent with Crye-Leike Realtors until he retired for good in 2008.
John served as Commissioner of the East Ridge Streets and Sewer Department and East Ridge Vice Mayor. He coached youth baseball and football. He was an avid UT fan and was especially fond of the Manning family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edison M. and Virginia Presley Temple; brother, Edward Temple; two sisters, Mary Childress and Rachel Stewart.
Survivors include his wife, Connie Temple; children Michael (Lynn) Temple, Steve Temple and Tara Webb; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, with the Rev. David Hall officiating. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 -10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jones Memorial United Methodist Church 4131 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, Tennessee 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.