KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — John was born in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, on June 7, 1940. He married the love of his life, Elaine Sartain Ross, on June 16, 1962. He died surrounded by his wife, children, and brother in Knoxville on June 5, 2025.
John loved God, Jesus, and his family. He had been blessed many times by God and was grateful for God’s generosity to him and his family. He loved sharing his blessings with others. If you knew John, you have a story. He was full of life and spirit. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
John was eternally curious and loved to study and learn. He attended Kentucky Wesleyan College, Methodist Theological School of Ohio, and University of St. Andrews – Scotland. He was energized by helping others through his work in ministry, counseling and finance. He worked for Northwestern Mutual for almost 50 years.
His legacy and love for family will continue through his wife, Elaine of almost 63 years; his three children, daughters, Heather Chastain (Tyler) and Hannah Senn (Tim), and son, Whitney Ross; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and his brother, Dr. J Russell Ross.
A service will be held for John on Sunday, June 8, at 1 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave online condolences.
