James Harley Love, 83, of Gray, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at LifeCare Center of Gray following an extended illness. James was born in Erwin, Tennessee to Theodore R. Love, Sr. and Nellie Melissa Stover Love. He was a graduate of Unicoi County High School and the University of Tennessee. His early life on the family’s dairy farm, along with his degree in agriculture, laid the foundation for a career in wholesale dairy sales and other agriculture-related fields.
A life-long Christian, James served in leadership positions of several Christian churches and organizations in East Tennessee. He volunteered his time for Appalachian Christian Village, Smoky Mountain Christian Men’s Fellowship, Samaritan’s Purse shoebox ministry, among others.
James never met a stranger. He loved talking with people, getting to know them and their interests. He developed many lasting friendships through his caring ways and heartfelt actions.
James was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Robert, Clarence, David, Stanley, and John Doran, and his daughter, Beth Ann Love. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Polly Marie Osburn Love, daughters Janet Richard and husband Russ of Knoxville, Melissa (Missy) Martin and husband Roger of Gray, and son James (Jimmy) Love and wife Martha of Gray, seven grandchildren: Christopher Richard, Meagan Hopson and husband Chris, Kelly Richard, Caroline Good, Andrew Martin, Annie Love, and Hayden Good, one great-grandchildren: Emily Hopson; and brother, T. R. “Ted” Love, Jr. and wife Peggy; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Life Care Center of Gray for the wonderful loving care given to our father.
A celebration of life service will be held at Boones Creek Christian Church on Thursday, August 1, 2019 beginning at 6:30 PM with Minister David Clark officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to Boones Creek Christian Church Missions, Gray, Tennessee, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. Arrangements are in care of Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home.
08/01/2019
Peggy Mabry Leslie
Marie, Janet, Missy and Jimmy...When I think of James, I think of a man who loved his family and the Lord. It was always good to see him and Marie when we would be out (especially at El Chicos)!
May you have peace and comfort in sweet memories and knowing that one day you will all be reunited.
Praying for you.
08/01/2019
Linda Robinson
Dear Love Family,
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to all of you!
Mr. Love was so special to us. We loved him dearly. I am
happy to say I truly believe he knew that too. Our parents all
passed away many years ago and Mr. Love was right there to
always give us a hug and ask about our children.
He was so supportive to Brad and his golf. From the time he
was old enough to play golf, Mr.Love never failed to ask about
him and often slid him some money for spending.
We will always remember him and I promised him we would
care for others who have no parents or grandparents as he
cared for us!
I know he is a happy man in heaven. I can’t stop smiling
thinking of him!
Much Love From:
Mike, Linda, Ellen, Brad, and Ellen Robinson
08/01/2019
Harley Arrowood
To the Family Of Jimmy Love and Especially Ted love, I am very sorry for your loss. I remember Jim very well. Growing up , It seemed like the Love Brothers
were like my Brothers.I was a young boy but Jim was always joking with me and was just a friendly Guy.I did not know until today that he and I shared the same middle name.
God bless you all.
Harley Arrowood
07/31/2019
Bobby and Becky Love
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
