Luther Jennings

Luther Muriel Jennings, 86, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Fort Sanders Select Specialty Hospital in Knoxville. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ora and Myrtle Jennings; two sisters, Eileen Sims and Maureen Jennings; two brothers, Jack and Frank Jennings; and two great-grandsons, Alex and Preston Marcus. Muriel is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Jennings, of Spring City; daughters Cathy Alewine, of Bowling Green, Ky., Nila "Cheryl" Jennings of Spring City, and Cindy (Randy) Keahey, of Spring City; grandsons, Jason Carver, of Cookeville, Tenn., Beau Alewine, of Bowling Green, and Bradley Keahey, of Spring City; granddaughters, Elizabeth Alewine, of Bowling Green, and Kristy Marcus, of Spring City; great-grandchildren, Kristian and Tyler Alewine, of Bowling Green, and Kadie, Taylee and Bryce Marcus, of Spring City; as well as good friends Bob and Cora Woodward. Muriel and Betty were married on Aug. 6, 1949, and moved to Spring City in 1951. Muriel worked at Union Carbide Corporation as a chemical operator from 1952-1993. After his retirement he enjoyed cruising and traveling, and visited over 17 countries. He also enjoyed raising Charolais cattle, gardening, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He really enjoyed coming up with ideas and ways to help his grandchildren be successful in life. Muriel was especially proud of his idea for his grandson, Jason, who owns JBeez Watercraft in Silver Point, to rent canoes on the Caney Fork River and that "Canoe the Caney" became the largest canoe livery in Middle Tennessee. Muriel was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and had accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 16 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Fairview, Va. He loved life and steadfastly believed in the goodness of God and His willingness to hear and answer prayers. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today, July 19, at Vaughn Funeral Home in Spring City. A celebration of his life and homegoing will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, at Vaughn Funeral Home with the Rev. Mark McCollough and Rev. Clyde Fitzgerald officiating, with burial following at Glen Alice Cemetery. Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements. www.vaughn-funeral-home.com.