William Jackson "Jack" Lennon

William Jackson “Jack” Lennon, Sr., age 93, of Reidsville, NC, passed away on April 12, 2023 at Annie Penn Hospital. Born August 1, 1929, at home in Knoxville, TN to Floyd Homer McDaniel Lennon and Nell Bernice Byrd Lennon.Jack spent several years at John Tarleton Children Home after the death of his mother. He later lived with the Edmonds family prior to leaving for college. He spent one semester at Harrison Chilhowie Baptist Academy playing basketball. He was a proud Knoxville High School graduate, Class of 1948. He ran track and was member of the Tennessee State Championship high school football team in 1946. He was a golden gloves boxer. He attended North Carolina State University on a football scholarship. Jack was a veteran of the United States Army, serving two years in 72nd Tank Battalion during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Knoxville and began his career with McCrory, McLellan and H.L. Green. Where he met his future bride. He left Knoxville to manage stores in Virginia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, before being transferred to Reidsville, NC in 1971. He was awarded Manager of the Year twice. He retired after 28 years of service in 1981. Jack worked at the Reidsville Post Office and Freeway Builders part-time before beginning a second career with Reidsville Housing Authority as Maintenance Supervisor, serving as interim Housing Director twice before retiring in 2010 with 28 years of service at the age of 81. He was a fraternal brother of the Masonic Lodge, achieving 32nd degree Mason. He was a Shriner and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jack enjoyed reading and was a believer in exercise and lifelong learning. He took numerous classes at Rockingham Community College and received a diploma in industrial maintenance. Jack enjoyed sports throughout his life. He was a little league coach for football and basketball. Most Saturdays in the fall would find him watching University of Tennessee and North Carolina State football. He enjoyed attending sporting events of his son and later grandchildren. Jack accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young man. He believed in God’s calling to love and serve others. He often mowed, blew leaves, and shoveled snow for his neighbors. He was an active member of Baptist Temple Church since 1971. He served on the Board of Directors, Building and Grounds committee, and as an usher at various times.Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Mary Jean Chambers Lennon; his brother Harley George McDaniel Lennon; infant brother Charles Edward Lennon; half-sister Jean E. Tilt; sister-in-law Helen Morris Lennon; nephew James Edward Lennon. He is survived by his daughter Kelli Elaine Lennon of Reidsville, NC; son William “Bill” Jackson Lennon, Jr. and wife Rebecca Cox Lennon of Burlington, NC. Three grandchildren Rachel Kathryn Lennon, William Jackson Lennon III, and Caleb Lee Lennon of Burlington, NC. Cousins:  Randy Byrd, Martha ­­­Lunsford, Dot Long, and Stanley Knight, all from Tennessee.  Close friend Ed Edmonds, whom he considered a brother.  Several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 P.M. Sunday April 16, 2023 in Citty Funeral Home Chapel, Reidsville, NC with Ricky Garrett officiating. The family will see friends immediately following the service.  A graveside service with military rites will be conducted 4:00 P.M. Saturday April 22, 2023 at Central Point Baptist Church Cemetery, Martin Mill Pike, Rockford, TN with Stanley Knight officiating, The family will see friends 3:00 till 4:00 P.M. before the graveside service in the church. Memorials may be sent to: Hospice of Rockingham County P.O. Box 281 Wentworth, NC  27375 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa , FL  33607 At other times the family will see friends at the home of his daughter Kelli Lennon in Reidsville. Citty Funeral Home is assisting the Lennon family. Online condolences may be sent to: cittyfh.com

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