John Richner

Jr.John Armstrong "Jack" Richner Jr., of Ooltewah, formerly of Goshen, N.Y., died on Wednesday, July 4, 2012.Born in Goshen, N.Y., on Aug. 13, 1933, to Gertrude and John Armstrong Richner, Jack succumbed to the ravages of Parkinsons Disease on July 4, 2012, while being cared for by Hospice of Chattanooga. Jack fought the disease with dignity for nearly 16 years and managed to live a productive life for 12 of those years having never complained at all.He was predeceased by his parents and three sisters, Teri LiFrier, Salie Koeppel and Ann Volkmer.Survivors include his wife, Loretta; daughter Stacy and husband, John Duncan; stepson, Scott Brinkley and wife, Danielle; sisters, Fran George and Trudy Roach. Jack leaves behind his beloved grandsons, Michael, Matthew and Christopher Brinkley, his little Nutmeg Havenese and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Jack was an avid tennis player who loved the game and willingly played with people of all levels of tennis. He especially enjoyed teaching tennis to young people at the Orange Hollow Tennis and Racquet Club in Goshen. Jack was on the first soccer team at Goshen High School, played a leadership role in the Goshen/German Soccer Exchange Program and attended every one of Scott's high school games. He delighted in watching his three grandsons play soccer on the recreation fields in Goshen as well. Jack was once a serious bowler and became the Middletown City Champion in those years. As Jack's health declined, he was honored by his friends at OHRC where the outside pro-court is now called "The Jack Richner Pro-Court." Jack was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen. He was active in the PTA at the Pakanasink Elementary School where he was awarded a lifetime membership for all of his endeavors for the students at the school. Jack was a Veteran of the United States Air Force having served during the time of the Korean War.A memorial service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, on Monday, July 9, 2012.Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. service with Pastor David Hall officiating.The Rev. David Kingsley will officiate at the second memorial service to be held at First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, N.Y., at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 14.Internment will take place in Maney-Hawkins Meditation Garden Columbarium on the church grounds following the service.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416; the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, 33 Park Place, Goshen, N.Y. 10924; Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421; or the National Parkinsons Disease Foundation. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.