James Rick Love

James Rick Love, 71, of Athens passed away on February 5, 2020.  He was born in Blount County to the late Robert and Ruby Love.  He was preceded in death by brothers, Jerome Rodney Love and John Randy Love.  Devoted husband to JoAnn McFall Love for 53 years, whom he cherished.  Survived by children Wendie Love Carter (husband, Bryan) of Knoxville, TN and Joshua "Todd" Love (wife, Tiffany) of Dayton, TN.  Grandchildren: Levi, Lily and Logan Love.  His brother Richard Love, (Elaine) Alabama, sisters Judy Gooden (Johnny) and Rhonda Brewer (Ronald) .   Sister-in-law: Karin Love all of Maryville, Tn. . Several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Chosen honorary grandparents to : Hannah Goff Groat, Emily Goff Stewart, Evalyn Goff Tucker and Kenny Goff III.  
Rick graduated from Walland High School Class of 1967.  He retired from AT&T after 43 years of service with several different phone companies.  
He belonged to several Storyteller Guilds.  He was the regional teller for the Smoky Mountain Storyteller Festival two years in a row. He was a member of Gem Players Diary of Anne Frank.
He also loved the Lord and told everyone about HIM.  He was a devoted Bible Teacher for more than 35 years.  He served the Lord in many capacities at various churches.  He and JoAnn are active members of Mount Harmony Baptist Church, Niota TN.
He would love to be remembered as a Christian gentleman who loved to spend time with friend and having fun.  Hobbies were farming, restoring and painting street rods and Storytelling.

Receiving friends will be at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, Niota from 3:30 to 7:00 PM Sunday, February 9, 2020 with the service to follow immediately. 

Burial will be at 1:00 P.M.  on February 10, 2020 at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville, TN.

Rev. Stan Hammonds, Layman Gary McDonald  will be handling funeral services with Rev. Keith Johnson doing graveside burial.

Pallbearers will be Martin Dain, Steve Harris, Mark Lowry, Gene Riggs, Mitchell Purcell, Paul Baker, Dennis Shroyer and Larry Sparks.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ray Richesin, Calvin Parton, Doug Crowe, Ron Pressley, Ron Arnett, John Gambill, Tom Castor, Rodney Hayes,  , Mike Turner, Charles Fine, and Richard Jones.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons.

Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com/notices/Rick-Love. Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tn. in charge of arrangements.