John Edward Sergent

John graduated from Jenkins High School in 1948, where he was an outstanding student in academics and known for being a gifted athlete. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps immediately after graduating from high school, where he served his country during the Korean War. He was a proud Marine. John was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1952 and enrolled at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. He graduated in 1956 as the Valedictorian of his graduating class with a BS degree in Business and Economics. He was the President of his junior and senior classes at LMU. John was also listed in Who’s Who in America Universities and Colleges.

John spent his entire professional career as a Human Resources Executive with Union Carbide Corporation and Martin Marietta Energy Systems at their Oak Ridge Operations. While working and raising his amazing family, he attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and was awarded a M.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1963.

He retired in 1990 after 30 years service. After his retirement, he continued his professional career for another 15 years as owner and principal consultant of Human Resources Management Consultants. John served as the president of Silver Tops, a retiree group of former Union Carbide Employees. He was also one of the founders of CORRE.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Eleanor Chesney Sergent; children, Michael Gregory Sergent (Belinda) of Dandridge, TN and Pamela Sergent Rhodes of Knoxville, TN; his pride and joy granddaughter, Chelsea Sergent Lower (Aaron) and great grandchildren, Madison Lower and Mason Lower of Roanoke, VA. John leaves sisters, Mary Frances Fairchild of Lexington, KY and Laura Jane Vanderheyden of South Bend, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Claude Sergent, Bill Sergent and Danny Sergent; sisters, Freda Lucas, Jeanie Coots and Shirley Fellure.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 21st from 1-3pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home with burial at immediately following at Lynnhurst Cemetery. Pastor Troy Forrester officiating. Pallbearers are Bob Aucoin, Steve McGlothlin, Dwayne Irick, John Williams, and Dale Workman.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either The Mission of Hope, 6030 Industrial Heights Dr. Knoxville, TN 37909 or Alzheimer’s Tennessee, 5801 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919.

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