Jackson Friendly

Our dearly beloved Christian brother, Deacon Jackson Friendly, Jr., of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, departed this earthly life for his heavenly home on May 18th, 2019 at Tennova Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.  His unquestionably loyal son, Dennis Friendly, was by his side.  Indeed a true servant of Jesus,

Deacon Friendly was an untiring member of Oak Valley Baptist Church for 60 plus years.  Moreover, people throughout the community frequently witnessed him demonstrate his God-given talent as a musical artist when he so beautifully sung gospel songs at various and many events.                     
Preceding him in death: wife, Hattie Mae Friendly; parents, Jackson and Martha Friendly; four brothers: Cornelius, Eddie James, Emzie, and George Friendly; two sisters: Martha Friendly and Betty Lucas; six aunts: Mary Murrel, Annie Burke Hardy, Louise Belmar, Cora Lee Phillips, Millie Davis, and Mamie Bowie.

Deacon Friendly was employed by the United States Postal Service for 39 years and 10 months of faithful service.  He also served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War Conflict. He was a faithful member of Oak Ridge Lodge #354 for many years.

Deacon Friendly was also known as “Happy Jack” to many of his close friends because he was consistently cheerful and friendly.  People gravitated to him because being in his presence greatly uplifted their spirits.    He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to many.  He was one who used his gifted voice for singing God’s praises in many, many churches throughout this area and in many states where he traveled.  He was one who always had a smile on his face and a song with gospel lyrics coming out of his mouth.  Every conversation with Deacon Friendly would assure you of walking away with a more positive outlook on life.  His trademark is known from his singing and encouraging many by singing - “Precious Lord”.  His gifted voice will always be remembered by many.  In as much, he was a faithful member of the Five Stars Jubilee, Friendly Five, and the Voices of Gideons, and the Oak Valley Male Chorus.  

He leaves to cherish his memories, two sons:  Derrick Jackson Friendly of Oak Ridge, TN, and Dennis Leroy Friendly of Deer Park, New York; two daughters:  Nicole Mae Friendly, Louisville, KY, and Jessica Desray McClanahan, of Oak Ridge, TN;  three brothers:  Frank (Deion) Friendly, Stock Bridge, GA, John (Shirlean) Friendly, Detroit, MI, O’Neal (Francis) Friendly, Pike Road, AL; two sisters: Sarah Friendly (John) White, Dorchester, MA, and Anna Friendly, Roxbury, Mass; two aunts: Elnora Davis, Birmingham, AL and Katie Harris, Oak Ridge, TN; four sisters-in-law: Jessie Friendly, Orlando, FL, Mary Friendly, Annie Friendly, Jackie Pugh Friendly, all of Montgomery, AL, Theadosia Tedi Donald, Detroit, MI.  Eight grandchildren; a very devoted cousin, Robert Davis, Oak Ridge, TN, a devoted spiritual son, Bro. Ballard Jackson, Oak Ridge, TN, Oak Ridge Lodge #354 devoted brothers and the Oak Valley Baptist Church congregation. A host of other relatives and many, many friends.

Saturday, May 25, 2019, the family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life, Love and Legacy to follow at Oak Valley Baptist Church, 194 Hampton Road, Oak Ridge, TN.  Pastor Derrick Hammond officiating.  Interment will immediately follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park where military honors and a white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the service.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or http://www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com 
 

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