Jack Lupton died peacefully Sunday, May 16, 2010, at his home after a long illness. He was 83.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Cartter Lupton, and his sister, Elizabeth Lupton Davenport.
Jack was born in Chattanooga, educated at Baylor School and at the University of North Carolina. Upon graduation from Baylor in 1944, at age 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the South Pacific as a radioman. After the war Jack attended UNC and in 1948, married his love, Alice Probasco.
Jack's Coca-Cola career began with two years in Macon, Ga., before he returned to Chattanooga to join his father in the Coca-Cola bottling business. After his father's death in 1977, Jack formed JTL Corp., which controlled and managed the largest group of bottling companies in the United States. He served for many years on the board of directors of the Coca-Cola Co. in Atlanta.
Even greater than his love for Coke was Jack's love for his home community. The three things he was most proud of were his involvement with the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Honors Golf Course, all of which helped change the face of a decaying city and none of which would have happened without him.
Other leadership roles included Baylor School, the Boys Club (both locally and nationally), Augusta National Golf Club, Church of the Good Shepherd and UTC.
His loving family, his community, Coca-Cola, the game of golf, fishing and the Mountain City Club pool room, plus a great bawdy sense of humor, together created a full life well lived.
Jack is survived by his wife, Alice; son, Cartter Lupton and Ms. George Hill, Sullivan's Island, S.C.; and daughters, Alice Smith and husband, Alfred, Lookout Mountain, Kate Juett and husband, Dana, Dallas, and Meg Gerber and husband, Charles, Memphis. He also is survived by his brother, Joe Henderson; 11 grandchildren, Tom, John, Ben, Andy, Ali, John T., Betsey, Charlie, Annie, Robin and Jack; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Hospice and the devoted caregivers who gave so lovingly for many years.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today, May 18, 2010, at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., with the Rev. Robert Childers officiating assisted by the Rev. John Talbird and the Rev. King Oehmig.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, Baylor School, the Tennessee Aquarium or a favorite charity.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7454 East Brainerd Road.