John G. Love, Sr.

Mr. John G. Love, Sr., 85, Robins Roost, 1309 S. Roan Street, Johnson City, passed away Thursday, May 27, 2010, at the Johnson City Medical Center. John was a native of Erwin and lived in the Johnson City area most of his life. He was the son of the late Walter Lee Love and Amelia A. Miller Love. He was preceded in death by his son John G. Love II; one grandson, Steven Walter Love II, and three brothers: Argle, Wayne, and Gene Love. John was a member of Downtown Christian Church, 335 East Main Street, Johnson City since 1972. He was an active member, trustee, and elder of the congregation. He knew, loved and served the Lord! He stood amazed at Gods mercy and grace! His name was the epitome of his love for others. The Love Dairy Farm, 'Sandy Bottom'?, in Unicoi County was where John experienced his first business adventure in partnership with his father managing the 'Love Dairy Milk Route.'? John always had a knack for building relationships, open communication, and solving problems. As a young man John enlisted in the United States Army. His height kept him from entering the front lines. His commanding officer selected him to be in charge of entertainment, recreation, and food services for the soldiers entering and exiting Okinawa. He was able to procure the only ice cream maker and movie projector at that time for fellow troops. His unit was scheduled to be deployed to Guam when the troops received news that the atomic bomb had been dropped on Hiroshima. John received the Meritorious Citation award. Upon returning to the U.S. John joined his family who had moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the Love family had developed another dairy farm venture. After a few years, however, the Love family moved back to their family roots in Unicoi County. In the Okolona area they established yet another dairy farm. John remained working there while he began to gain experience in real estate. John developed the Tennessee Real Estate Company with Barney Tester, Carl Thomas, and Dave Johnson. Soon after the company name changed to John G. Love, Sr., Real Estate. In 1961, Johnson Citys first Board of Realtors, where John served as first vice president was established. He was also a member of the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors, State, and National Association of Realtors. John was experienced in all phases of appraisal including appraisals for T.V.A., Urban Renewal, State of Tennessee, City of Johnson City, and Washington County. John was elected twice as Mayor of Johnson City. He was instrumental in organizing the First District of Mayors Association. He was elected President of twenty-five Mayors of this new organization. He actively promoted Johnson City to compete in the All-American City contest where Johnson City was judged and received honorable mention. Former President Jimmy Carter invited him to Washington D.C. for recognition of Johnson Citys accomplishments, including one of the first mass transit systems designed for the handicapped in the nation. Governor Ned McWherter appointed John to serve on the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, where he was Chairman for two terms. John was a lifelong Democrat. He served as campaign manager for various candidates of the Democratic Party on the state and national level. He ran for governor in 1982 in which he travelled statewide. He was happiest when the political season rolled around so he could campaign and support his favorite candidates. John also served as: Chairman of Johnson City/ Jonesborough/ Washington County Industrial Commission; Planning Commission and Director of Tennessee Municipal League; Insurance Broker; Director and Chairman of the Board of Commerce Union Bank; Director/Treasurer of First Tennessee-Virginia Development District; Honorary Chairman of Sister Cities International; Vice President of Industrial Council; Tri-Cities Industrial Commission; U.S. Sub-committee on Community Development. Mayor Love also opened and cut the ribbon on the Johnson City Medical Center. John was a member of: East Tennessee State University Foundation, Trustee of Milligan College, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Kiwanis Club, and Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years, Etta Morgan Love, three daughters C. Melissa Love of Johnson City, Amelia Mickey Tyer and her husband David of Chattanooga, TN. and Linda Love of Charlotte; one son Steven J. Love and his wife Debbie of Blountville, two step-sons Tim Mayer of Knoxville TN and David Mayer of Seymour TN, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 2 from 6-8PM, Downtown Christian Church, 335 East Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37601. The funeral service for Mr. John G. Love, Sr. will be conducted on Thursday, June 3 at the Downtown Christian Church at 1:00PM. Dr. W. Edward Fine will officiate. The graveside committal service will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be members of the military: Boone Dam Post # 4933. The Boone Dam Post # 4933 and the Tennessee National Guard will accord military honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Downtown Christian Church, 335 East Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.