James William Lemons

James William “Bill” Lemons, age 88, of Sweetwater, went home to heaven to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 6, 2018. He was a loyal follower of Jesus Christ and faithful member of Fairview Baptist Tabernacle Church in Sweetwater. He believed in always helping others in times of need and touched many lives with his kind and loving heart. Bill (aka “Digger” for his love of gardening and ginseng digging) was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He had a passion for spending time with his family and friends, as well as spending time in his vegetable garden, especially growing tomatoes. He loved fishing and hunting in the great outdoors with family and friends. He mastered the auto body trade at an early age. He worked at the Fisher Body Plant in Pontiac, Michigan, followed by a business partnership with Alfred “Shot” Gourley, his uncle and lifetime friend, at G & L Body Shop in Sweetwater. He repaired and restored hundreds of automobiles during his 37 year career, including the restoration of several antique cars for the Smokey Mountains Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN. Afterwards, he worked as a custodian for 10 years at Sweetwater High School where he spent some of the best days of his working life. Preceded in death by his parents: David and Edna Lemons, brothers: Lloyd and Stanley Lemons. He is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart of 67 plus years: Clara Lemons, sons and daughters-in-law: Dan and Sandra Lemons, of Athens, Rick and Gina Lemons, of Gallatin, granddaughters and spouses: Hannah Baxter and Cody, of Madisonville, Amanda Collins and Brent of Murfreesboro, granddaughters: Sarah Lovingood, of Vonore, and Rachel Lemons, of Nashville, great-grandchildren: Lexy Lemons, Caroline, Catherine and Cooper Lovingood, and Keira Collins, sister: Margie Headrick, of Maryville, TN., brother-in-law’s and sisters-in-laws: John and Willie Brown, of Lenoir City, L.C. and Bernice Terry, of Loudon, Donnie and Elaine Terry, of Phoenix, AZ., Estelle White, of Lenoir City, and Jerry Hughes , of Philadelphia, TN., numerous : Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews, and Nieces. The family greatly appreciates all family and friends with special thanks to Aunt: Sally Caldwell, Rick and Jane Bettis, Fort Loudon Medical Center staff, and the Caris Healthcare Hospice team. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 4:00 P.M until 7:00 P.M. at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle Church in Sweetwater, followed by a celebration of life funeral service at 7:00 P.M. with Pastor: Johnny Carr, and Rev. Denny Moore officiating. Interment 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday in the West View Cemetery. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

James William Lemons

June 25, 1929 - May 6, 2018