Jack E. Rouse

Jack E. Rouse, age 89, well-known local pianist and musician, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was born on June 5, 1934, to Mose Roy and Bertie Wright Rouse in Knoxville. He was a loving, giving friend and could converse on almost any subject with anyone he met.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of almost 66 years, the joy of his life, the lovely Shirley Ann Harrell Rouse and his parents. He is survived by sister-in-law, Betty Harrell Goodwin (Bill); niece, Sherri Byrd; goddaughter, Angie Rolen Bolus (Chuck); great niece, Lindsay Christie (Iain); great nephew, Justin Elder (Cailey), several great, great nieces and nephews; long time friends, Robert and Annette Miller; and a host of other friends.

Raised on his parents farm, he became employed at 13 and was never without a job for one day until he retired. A graduate of Central High School, Class of 1952, Jack was an essential part of the Alumni Association for that class. He attended several colleges and served in the U.S. Army, Far East Command, as a Cryptologist before pursuing a career in Engineering Management. Jack was especially active in the National Management Association, serving on the National Board of Directors of the NMA. His professional career included many years at Robertshaw-Fulton Company and the Tennessee Valley Authority followed by a number of years as a private contractor in the Nuclear Industry.

A multi-talented person, Jack, at various points in his long and active career, was also a professional photographer, commercial artist, musician, construction designer and technical writer. He was a member of the NRA and was active in combat pistol, rifle, and shotgun competitions. In earlier years, he was an officer of the Knoxville Jaycees.

Jack was a staunch believer in Jesus Christ and a long time member of Ball Camp Baptist Church, serving as Minister of Music during the 1960s and 70s. A classically trained student of Q Elizabeth Gresham, he served as pianist for a number of area churches and performed at countless weddings, receptions, funerals and other events. In his "spare time," he taught piano, specializing in music theory and harmony. In the fifties and sixties, Jack was a pianist for several traveling gospel groups as well as a popular network show on WNOX. Jack recorded the piano theme song for a popular gospel music program on WBIR TV. His theme recording was used for many years and he appeared regularly on television. Advertising posters billed him as "The Wizard of the Keyboard."

Jack was a lifelong DeMolay, 32nd Degree Freemason and Shriner, a member of Burlington Lodge 763 F&AM and Kerbela Shrine Temple. He was a member and former officer of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and was awarded the Jefferson Davis Historical Gold Medal for the Preservation of Southern Music by the Daughters of the Confederacy. In recognition of civic services, he was commissioned a Tennessee Colonel by Governor Ned McWherter and a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Paul Patton.

Jack was an animal lover, never without a pet that adored him. Jack and Shirley shared a long and happy life, enjoying many beautiful, sun-filled days and a host of great friends. He loved her with all of his heart.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 13th from 5-7pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home with funeral service following at 7pm with Mrs. Sharon Graves officiating. Graveside service will take place Friday, July 14th at 1pm at Lynnhurst Cemetery. Pallbearers to include: Clayton Gheen, Robert Miller, Officer Seth Blaine, Justin Elder, Iain Christie and Jeffrey Rolen. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com for the Rouse family.