John Douglas Whiteside

July 12, 1938 – August 18, 2019 JOHNSON CITY – John D. Whiteside, 81, of Johnson City, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2019.  John was born in Sprigg, West Virginia on July 12, 1938.  He was the son of the late Reverend Clinton Thomas Hickman and Mable Alice Coleman.  His grandmother, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Whiteside was Irish and his grandfather, William Whiteside was Cherokee.   John went to school at Coeburn South, in Coeburn, VA and later attended Langston High School in Johnson City, TN, where he played football as offensive and defensive ends.  He joined the United States Navy at the young age of 17 where he served as a Radarman 3rd Class E4 specialist.  John worked at Old Memorial Hospital, as a maintenance person for Doctor and Mrs. Richard Costner, and retired as a supervisor of filter products at Eastman Chemical Company after 37 years. On April 13, 1963, John married his loving wife, Mary Alice Rhea and enjoyed 56 years of marriage.  He leaves to cherish his memories one son, Samuel Carl Evans (Mary Helen) of Church Hill, Tennessee; four daughters, Sharon Edna Redd (Michael), Edith Frances Tejeda, Mary Johnetta Williams (George Van), and Tasha Carol Redd (Mark) all of Johnson City, Tennessee, and a godson, Wilford Glen of Houston, Texas.  John was blessed to have 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  He is survived by his brothers, Retired Navy Captain William A. Coleman Jr. (Joy), Franklin Hickman (Martha), and Mark Hickman (Renee); and sisters Harriette Henderson (Robert), Brenda Mayo (John) all of Tennessee, Glenda Lemay of Michigan, and a host of nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Hubert M. Coleman and Clinton Jamille Hickman of Tennessee.  He was blessed with special friends, Marlyn Heaton, Charles Dudley, Boyce Young, Robert Hale Sr., Johnnie Collie, Charles Locke Sr., and Billy Fullen Sr.  John was baptized in the name of Jesus in 1972 and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1994.  He was faithful to the work of the Lord serving on the Trustee Board, Usher Board, Baptismal Committee, Brotherhood Ministry, and loyal deacon of Grace Temple Church.  John always served on the 3rd Sunday of the month on the security team at the church.  How beautiful it is that God saw it fitting to take him home on the 3rd Sunday!  His favorite songs were “Oh I Want to See Him” and “My Lord and I”.  John loved hunting, fishing, cooking and gardening.   He was well-known for his yummylicious banana pudding and his great love for the brothers of Grace Temple.   John loved his family so much and adored making breakfast for his girls.  He leaves a legacy of service to God and unwavering commitment to his family. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:  and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8 Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm Sunday August 25, 2019 at Grace Temple Church in Johnson City. The family will receive friends from 3:00pm until 4:00pm at the church prior to the service. Interment will be held at 11:00am Monday August 26, 2019 at Washington County Memory Gardens in Johnson City.  Professional services provided by Birchette Mortuary Inc. 219 E. Millard St. Johnson City TN. 423-926-6013 www.birchettemortuary.com
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