John Charles Keenan, 80, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 28, 2024, with his children by his side. He lived at NHC Fort Sanders due to an extended terminal illness.

John was born March 29, 1943, at Rock Island, TN. As a teen he loved hot rods and driving fast with childhood friend, Kenneth Keaton. John graduated from Centertown School in 1961 and later graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Daytona Beach, Florida where he obtained his commercial multi-engine instrument flight rating.

His corporate pilot career began at Kerns Bakery where he flew for 15 years. After leaving Kerns, he accepted a position with Sun Oil and flew with close friend Jim Werley. After Sun Oil relocated to Philadelphia, John flew for TVA and stayed there until his retirement in 2008. John’s flying career spanned over 40 years. Once retired, John and Marilyn enjoyed many years dividing their time between East Tennessee and Ft. Myers Beach, FL.

John is preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Marilyn Buchanan Keenan; his parents William Keenan and Leatrice V. Bratcher and stepfather Paul Northern; his children’s mother Jackie Renae Knight Keenan, his brother Thaddeus Morgan Keenan, and one granddaughter Tiffany Fleenor Stone.

John is survived by his three children: John Kent (Teresa) Keenan of Farragut; Charles Mark (Pam) Keenan of Somerset, KY; and Jacquelyn Caryl Keenan of Knoxville. Grandchildren: Samantha Thompson of Harriman; Kendra (Jonathan) Seagraves of Richmond Hill, GA; Sara Keenan of Somerset, KY; Johnny Keenan of Somerset, KY; Morgan Keenan of Oak Ridge; Ryann (Ryan) Kennedy of Powell; Savannah Ward of Chattanooga; Jake Keenan of Lenoir City; and William Ward of Farragut. Great-grandchildren: Haley Keenan, Gage Stone, Will Seagraves, Stella Seagraves, Ethan Thompson, Emma Thompson, and Collin Seagraves. One great-great-grandchild Beckham Keenan. One brother William “Bill” E. Keenan; and nieces and nephews.

John was a loving son, husband, father, and granddaddy who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was the master chef at the lake; the perfect driver of the ski boat; and a true supporter at ball games, dance recitals, school concerts, and family parties. John was a kind hearted and friendly man who loved the Lord. He was a member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church.

A special thank you to Deane Hill Place; NHC Fort Sanders; and Caris Healthcare Hospice for their care, compassion, and support.

A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 12 noon CST, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Smartt, TN.

Online condolences may be made to the family at spencerfuneralhome.net