John Whitton - Class of 1989

[Bob]

John Mack Whitton Jr., 53, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024 at UT Medical Center, surrounded by his loving wife and other family and friends. John was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Rule High School in 1989 and attended the University of Tennessee at Martin. As a young man, he began a life of dedication and service to others when he spent many years as a counselor at the YMCA’s Camp Montvale in Maryville. He was also active with the Red Cross as an employee and volunteer. He was a course instructor and a volunteer with the First Aid Station Teams at Neyland Stadium, where on game days he could be found administering first aid, answering dispatch calls, and coordinating response teams. He later joined the Blount County Rescue Squad and served in many leadership roles, including Training Captain, Assistant Chief, and Dragon Team Captain. In addition, he was an AEMT and spent time as an emergency services dispatcher in Blount County. Most recently he was a service manager for Rocky Top HVAC in Knoxville. John was a faithful friend and vibrant man, who passionately loved the mountains and University of Tennessee sports. He was a leader and mentor to many, whether it was coaching teens at camp or training rescue teams on The Dragon. He was level-headed and calm in the storm, as well as a wonderful friend with a vibrant and good-hearted personality. He is preceded in death by his father, John Whitton Sr, and is survived by his mother, Ethel Whitton. He will be deeply missed by his loving new wife Donna Ewing-Whitton; step-children Bryce and his wife Ashley, Connor, and Logan Ewing; and numerous extended family members and longtime friends. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on June 1st at 1:00 pm at The Barn at Big Valley Resort, 725 Big Valley Rd, Townsend, TN, 37882. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to one of the organizations that meant so much to John - the Blount County Rescue Squad or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com