John S. Nolen, age 90, passed away December 28, 2022, at his home in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Born and raised in Houston County (Erin, TN), John was the only son of the late George W. Nolen and Lura Warden Nolen and brother to the late Betty James Wren (Billy Joe). He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years Joan M. Nolen, sons Chip Nolen of Lynchburg, Mac (Lisa) Nolen of Murfreesboro, grandchildren Sierra Elizabeth Nolen (Justin) Lowry of Murfreesboro, Samuel John Nolen of Murfreesboro, Savannah Marie (John) Long of Madison, AL and Katie Beth (David) Nolen of Cleveland, TN and great nieces Jessica Wren (Craig) Schultz and Elizabeth Wren (Chris) Hart of Spring Hill, TN.
After John earned his B.S. degree (’53) and before earning his Master’s degree (’57) both from Austin Peay State College, he served his country in the US Air Force. John later continued his studies at Vanderbilt University.
After 35 years of distinguished service as the quality control manager for Jack Daniels Distillery including the development of Gentleman Jack, John retired in 1993. John later retired from his role as the Secretary of the Tennessee Squires Association after serving 26 years and as a master taster for Jack Daniels Distillery after serving 58 years. During his career with the distillery, he also served as Chairman for the Dixie Chapter of the American Filtration Society. Along side his professional career, John raised cattle on his beloved farm.
John was a long-time member of the Arbor Baptist Church but also faithfully attended services at Marble Plains Baptist Church. For his community, John served as chairman for the deacons of Arbor Baptist Church, County Judge for Moore County, board member to local and regional libraries, and was a 13-year member of the Tennessee Elk River Development Agency Board. He also was a co-founder of the Whiskey Runners Car Club.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 31, 2022, from 11am-2pm at Jennings-Moore Cortner Funeral Home in Lynchburg, with service to begin at 2pm same day. In lieu of flowers/gifts donations may be made to the Lynchburg Cemetery, P.O. Box 425, Lynchburg, TN 37352.
* Honorary pallbearers (people that are very special to Joan & John) include Marie Wiser, Lynne Tolly, Tom Brown, Sue & Jerald Wilkerson, Vicki & Randy Pipper, Judy & Fred Landiss, Teena & Troy McKenzie, Kayla & Dennis White, Darrin & Lynn Harrison.
Jennings-Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 181 Majors Boulevard, Lynchburg, TN 37352, (931)-759-4552, www.jenningsmoorecortner.com.