John Newton Fugate Sr.

Mr. John Newton Fugate, age 98, died January 26, 2012 at his home in Tazewell, surrounded by his family. He was born January 4, 1914 and was a life-long resident on his farm on Sycamore Valley Road. He was a faithful member of Little Mulberry Baptist Church where he attended all his life. He was the oldest living member of the church, the Senior Deacon, a one-time song leader and Sunday School Teacher.

He was a graduate of Milligan College where he met the love of his life, Minnie Burns, whom he married May 27, 1940. They have had 71 happy years together.

He is survived by his wife and 6 wonderful children, 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

His children are Jane (Bob) Campbell, John II (Sandra)Fugate, Nancy (Hollis) Large, David (Jane) Fugate, Judith (Terry) Fielden and Margaret (Frank) Anderson.

John was president of the Claiborne County Farm Bureau for many years and also president of the Claiborne County Livestock Association. In 1993, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the State Farm Bureau for District 5.

John had the ability to make friends easily and he had friends through Farm Bureau all across the State of Tennessee; as well as locally. He was a kind and generous neighbor. He loved farm life and enjoyed working with his cattle and growing things. After he was handicapped, he took an increasing interest I his vegetable garden and with the help of his care-givers raised good vegetables for home consumption. He was already planning his garden for spring planting.

A Celebration of Life service will be held February 11, 2012 at Midway Baptist Church of New Tazewell at 3:00 P.M with Rev. Jay Sulfridge and Pastor Rev. Richard Minton. Following the service there will be a reception and refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the John & Minnie Fugate Scholarship Fund at Milligan College, P.O. Box # 9, Milligan College, TN 37682 or to Children’s Bible Mission, Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go, 111 CBM Camp Road, Watauga, TN 37694

Pallbearers: Grandchildren: Robert Campbell, Carolyn Karnes, Paula Jane Campbell, John Fugate III, Chris Fugate, Rachael Mills, Laura Beth Ims, Nathan Large, Paul Fugate, John David Fugate, Mark Fugate, Charles Fielden, Alex Anderson, Lucas Anderson, Sean Anderson and friend, Allen Parkey.

Honorary Pallbearers: Chester Gibson, Bud Chadwell, Joe McNew, Bobby Walker, Little Mulberry Church Deacons, Lawrence Fultz, Tom Mottern, Carl Bolton, Pat Martin, David Manning and Lehman Callahan.

The family would like to thank the Claiborne County Hospital Medical staff; Suncrset Hospice; attending physicians at Knoxville and special caregivers; Rebecca Baltrip(10 years), Tina Rogers, Lydia Wilson, Tory Harvell and Pauline Pendleton; and the Little Mulberry Church for their kindness and food preparation.

Coffey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.