Harold Ralph McCammon

Harold Ralph McCammon 9/2/1934 – 9/13/2009 Passed away at Sweetwater Hospital on September 13, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Ralph was born in Greenback, Tennessee to Hattie L. (Roberts) and Houston G. McCammon. He attended Lanier School before joining the United States Air Force in 1951. He was involved in many operations such as the Korean Conflict, Suez Canal operation, Cuban Missal Crisis and the, Viet Nam War where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also chosen to be one of the first westerners to go into the Soviet Union. A highlight of his Air Force Career came when he went to China with President, Richard Nixon. He spent several weeks in China during that historic visit. He retired in 1972 and moved to McMinn County, Tennessee, where he founded and ran a successful transportation business, R&K Trucking for the next 20years. He retired a second time in 1992. He enjoyed working with planes and trucks and never lost his passion for local, state and world events. A lifelong Democrat, he loved politics, was on the election committee and ran County commissioner in 1994 and was a member of the Odd Fellows. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Charlotte Wells, Dorothy (James) Cogburn, Kenneth McCammon and Ray (Linda) McCammon and many nieces and nephews all of Maryville, Tennessee. His wife of 54 years, Laura E. (Murray), whom everyone calls “Kitty”, three children, Bonitta & (Wayne) Rinks, Evansville, Indiana, Anthony McCammon, Niota, Tennessee, Jonathan S. (Tabatha) McCammon, Niota, Tennessee & daughter-in-law Donna McCammon, Sweetwater, Tennessee. Seven grandchildren; Jessica Rinks, Evansville, Indiana, Shaunda McCammon, Clarksville, Tennessee, Ashley, Jonathan L., Patrick, and Destiny McCammon all of Niota, Tennessee and Shane McCammon of Sweetwater, Tennessee. The body is at Sweetwater Memory Chapel where the family will receive friends Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM funeral service to follow at 8:00 PM in Sweetwater Memory Chapel with Dr. Ted Clower officiaiting. Graveside service and Interment Wednesday 1:30 PM in The East Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery in Knoxville, TN. In lieu of flowers, a contribution is welcome to the Odd Fellows, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Lung Association or Diabetes Association.

Harold Ralph McCammon

September 13, 2000 - September 13, 2009