J. Bryan Rudisill Jr

Jennings Bryan "Buck" Rudisill Jr, 86, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, Sunday night, July 27, 2014. He was preceded in death by his father, J. Bryan Rudisill Sr., and his mother, Sarah, of Charlotte, N.C. He was married to his beloved wife, Jeanne, for 63 years. Together they have four children: Sally Rudisill, Owensboro, Ky.; Laura (Tom) Kirkpatrick, Wilton, Conn.; Emily (Todd) Bohon, Johnson City, Tenn.; Bryan (Jody) Rudisill, Lookout Mountain, Ga. They have seven grandchildren: Thomas and Taylor Kirkpatrick, N.Y., N.Y.; Parker (Erin) Bohon, Oregon; Sarah (Ethan) Flynn, Johnson City; Laura (Micah) Hausler, J.B. IV and Lindsay Rudisill, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.; and many special in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister, Jane Coates of Salisbury, Md., and brother, George Rudisill and wife, Jane, of Charlotte. Buck graduated Central High School in Charlotte, and Duke University. After living in Providence, R.I., and Nashville, Buck and Jeanne moved to Lookout Mountain in 1959, when Buck accepted a partnership in what was then, Trotter, Boyd & Keese Insurance Agency. Later, the organization became Associated General Agency and was, at one time, the largest independently owned insurance agency in the state of Tennessee. Buck retired at the age of 60. Buck was very active in his community and his church, serving on numerous boards and committees for a variety of organizations. Notably, he served as president of the Insurors of Tennessee, the Civitan Club, Ducks Unlimited and the Episcopal Commission of Southeast Tennessee. Additionally, he served tirelessly as chairman of the Board of St. Barnabas Living Services. He loved the camaraderie of his daily lunch group at the Mountain City Club where he was a member for 50 years. He was also a long time member of the Fairyland Club. His passion, however, was the Blue Springs Club, where he served as president for many years. Lastly, he loved the Church of the Good Shepherd, where he was a member for over 50 years and served in a variety of leadership roles including the Vestry. He retired as a Lt. Commander of the United States Naval Reserve, after 20 years of service. Buck loved to bird hunt and pursued his passion with zest. His enthusiasm and joy for the sport was contagious, thus leaving this legacy with many friends , family (especially, sons in law and grandchildren) and associates. The family is grateful to his caregivers for their kindness during his long illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorials be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, The Church of the Good Shepherd or Metropolitan Ministries. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, at The Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain, immediately followed by a Visitation/Celebration of Life at the Talbird Parish Hall. Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.