John Hoyt Tumblin, Sr.
Deacon John Hoyt Tumblin Sr., affectionately called "Butch", was born on February 28, 1947, to James and Caroline Tumblin. He transitioned to his heavenly home on November 22, 2024, with his devoted wife, daughters, and grandson by his side.
After graduating from Riverside High School, Class of 1966, he served his country honorably and meticulously as a member of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam in the 82nd Airborne Division, where he was trained as an expert rifleman. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Chattanooga and earned his degree in Business Administration from McKenzie College.
In 1967, he married the love of his life, Patricia Knowles. He worked as an asphalt paver and was employed by Norfolk Southern Railway, and he retired after 35 years of service.
John was a devoted member of the Olivet Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Mass Choir and Male Chorus. He became an Ordained Deacon on November 6, 1994, under the leadership of Pastor Kevin L. Adams Sr. He served earnestly as Chairman of the Benevolence Ministry; he also served as a member of the Finance and Bereavement Committees.
John was preceded in death by son, John Hoyt Tumblin Jr., parents, James and Caroline Tumblin, brothers, Willie Tumblin Jr. and Edgar Tumblin, sister Jewel Tumblin, nephews Carl Brown, Kenneth Brown and Willie Tumblin Jr., niece Tonya Grandberry, and son-in-law, Gerald Jackson.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Patricia K. Tumblin; daughters Nichelle Tumblin Jackson, Chattanooga, TN, and Stacie Tumblin (O'Ronde) Williams, of Lithonia, GA, and adopted daughter/niece, Yolonda Knowles McClendon, of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Christian Watkins of Decatur, GA; Casey (Devin) Chambliss, of Covington, GA; and Ryan (Jennifer Tholken) Tumblin of Chattanooga, TN; great grandchildren, Ryleigh, Breon Jr., Brayden, and Charlotte; sisters, Gloria Harris, Montine Kelly, Buelah King, and Barbara Davenport, all of Chattanooga, TN, Mary Kathryn Sadler of Kennesaw, GA and Rev. Vivian Langston, of Conyers, GA; many nephews, nieces and friends.
Deacon Tumblin will be remembered for his integrity, character, the love he had for his family, and his ability to honor and respect all with whom he encountered.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m.
A funeral service will be at noon on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Olivet Baptist Church. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.