John Lillard “Sonny” Templeton, Jr. passed away on November 22, 2022 at the age of 93. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Lillard and Polly Gilbert Templeton; son, Charles Evers Templeton; brother, Watson Gilbert Templeton; and nephew, John Gilbert Templeton. Mr. Templeton is survived by his wife of 67 years, Martha Dyer Evers Templeton; daughter, Claire Templeton Miller and her husband, Richard M. Miller, Jr.; son, John Lillard Templeton, III, and his wife, Emme Norvell Templeton; grandchildren, Caleb (Jenny) Templeton, Hannah (Wes) Williams, Rachel (Russell) Brewer, Morgan (Sabrina) Miller, Alastair (Lauren) Miller, Chase (Natalie) Miller, and Evers (Hattie) Miller; and 17 great-grandchildren.

A native Nashvillian, Mr. Templeton attended Woodmont Elementary School, Montgomery Bell Academy, and Vanderbilt University. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was called into active duty from 1952 to 1953.

In 1945, Sonny began his business career at the age of 14, working summers with First American National Bank, later advancing to Senior Vice President of Marketing. In 1976, he joined Commerce Union Bank as a Senior Vice President in the Business Development Department. In 1980, he founded and became a co-partner of Bass & Associates Realty Company. In addition to his professional career, Mr. Templeton served the community with his involvement in a variety of organizations including serving on the Boards of St. George’s Kindergarten, St. Luke’s Community Center, and Big Brothers of Nashville. He was also a past President of the Nashville Marketing Federation. In 2002, he was proud to serve as the Captain of The 200 Club (200 gentlemen golfers throughout the United States and abroad).

During his lifetime, Sonny enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf. In his later years, he was especially devoted to being a professional grandfather! He was a member of Belle Meade Country Club and Sailfish Point Club in Stuart, Florida.

Mr. Templeton was also a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, where services will be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, November 29. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until the time of the services. A family burial follows at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Caleb Templeton, Russell Brewer, Wes Williams, Morgan Miller, Alastair Miller, Chase Miller, Evers Miller and David Templeton.

The family appreciates the loving care of those who made Mr. Templeton’s final year more comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Sonny's memory to: Alive Hospice,1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203; St. Lukes, 5601 New York Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209; St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205.

To leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Sonny visit the Tribute Wall.