George P. Jaynes passed away on April 7, 2022, at the age of 80 following an extended illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, farmer, businessman, salesman, volunteer fireman, store owner and respected public official.
He is now home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member and trustee of New Salem Baptist Church in Limestone, where he cherished his Sunday School Class and men’s fellowship.
George was born July 28, 1941, in Limestone, Tennessee to the late Clarence and Daisy Jaynes. He attended Washington College graduating in 1960
In 1963 he married Sandra Fox (Sandy) of Limestone where they worked side by side on their tobacco and cattle farm. He also had a successful career selling new Chevrolets and then Fords in the 60’s and later Buicks and Pontiacs.
He and his wife Sandy owned and operated Jaynes Market in downtown Limestone for 13 years with a fully functioning butcher shop and fresh produce and loyal customers from around the area.
His commitment to public service began in 1972 when he was elected county wide to the Washington County Commission and continued with his election to County Executive/Mayor in 1986 where he served the residents of Washington County for a total of 38 years.
During his tenure, he worked with Governors, Senators, Congressmen, a host of state legislators, county, and city officials and 119 different County Commissioners, constantly looking for ways to help Washington County. He was a Republican and conservative but never let politics get in the way of getting things done. He was as a straight shooter that tried his best to treat everyone equally.
He strengthened relationships with Johnson City and Jonesborough and developed strong working groups with surrounding counties. Public Safety was a priority with relentless support for Fire, Police and Emergency Departments. In earlier years, George was a member of the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department.
As County Mayor, he was an active board member of the First Tennessee Development District Board, Alliance for Business and Training Board, First Tennessee Human Resource Agency, Mt. States Health Alliance Board, Tri-Cities Airport Board, the Washington County, Johnson City EMS Board and Washington County Emergency Communications District Board.
He helped create the Washington County Industrial Park, anchored by Bush Hog and large investments by Naketetsu Corporation and Koyo Corporation. He diligently worked on development of the new criminal justice center and was humbled when the building was named after him in 2009.
In 2010, he retired to the family cattle farm, and he continued to enjoy traveling to events across the state to spend time with and share ideas with a host of friends he had made over the years. From Mountain City to Memphis, he knew how to find the hidden backroads and the country restaurants. Nothing could keep him from fried catfish and white beans.
And throughout his time, he always loved helping people. It was the one thing he missed most.
Following his retirement, he was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Ethics Commission and to the ETSU Government Relations Advisory Council.
George was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bea Jones (Dallas); brother Marlin Jaynes (Frances); brother Dallas Jaynes (Dorothy); sister Agnes Jones (Clifford); sister Lillian Curtis (Stanley); sister Argent Arwood (Jack).
He is survived by his wife Sandy of 59 years; son and daughter-in-law Patrick and Jill Jaynes of Knoxville, TN; son and daughter-in-law Tim and Kellie Jaynes and two grandchildren Grayson and Andrew of Limestone, TN sisters Frances Davis of Limestone, TN and Hilda Williams (Bob) of Limestone, TN; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
The family is forever grateful for the tremendous support of friends and neighbors and our loving church family.
Dillow Taylor of Jonesborough will handle arrangements beginning with visitation on Monday, April 11 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 8:00 pm in the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Craig Ponder, Reverend Garry Edwards and Joe Barker will officiate the service.
A graveside service will be Tuesday, April 12 at 11:00 am at New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, 421 Lester Snapp Rd, Limestone, TN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 554 Frank Stanton Road, Limestone, 37681.
04/12/2022
lonnie humphreys
Know you be missed by us earthly folks but one day we with you there in heaven. All you all so nice to my family even as I growing up and in later years as I joined the USAF and daddy's health declined. Hugs to all the family cause we LOVE you all. Lonnie Georgia Peebles
04/12/2022
Edward E. Henley
So sorry to hear about the passing of George, my heart goes out to you, Sandy and the family. May prays give you strength to go on.
My condolences to the entire Jaynes family. George was a dedicated, honorable man whose dedication to public service and his community was evident throughout his career. God Bless him and the Jaynes family
So sorry for your loss George was always good to me growing up and remember good times in the store in lmestone my papaw was Paul Etepp and my family condolences to Sandra ,Hilda and Frances and to Debra Campbell I miss seeing you and George and your family is in my prayers! Much love and sypathy to all of you ?
04/12/2022
SHIRLEY CUTSHALL
SANDRA, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GEORGE'S PASSING. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
04/11/2022
Wassan Broyles
So sorry to hear about George. He has done so much for our community and given a lot of his time to make things better in Washington county. He had a wonderful and fulfilling life and he will be truly missed in our community. I will miss him stopping by the hardware in the old Ford truck and saying howdy. My condolences go out to the friends and family of Mr. George P. Jaynes may he rest in peace, Wassan and Vickie Broyles and family.
I was fortunate to have worked for George and Sandy at Jaynes Market when I was growing up in Limestone. I have many fond memories of those days and the way they treated me, like I was one of their very own. But the thing I remember most, even at a young age, is the love they had for one another. Being around them, seeing the way they acted, it was obvious, they were truly best friends. My heart goes out to Sandy, Tim. Pat, Hilda and Frances. May God give you comfort as you mourn the loss of such a wonderful man.
Dear Ones, My heart aches for you all but rejoices for George who is praising the Lord in heaven with His Lord and family members there. I can just see him and Marlin together--hugging and praising God. He has always been so precious to us and we will miss him. Praying for comfort, strength and peace for all the family. Love you, Karen
Tim i am sorry for your loss, will be praying for you and the family during this time.
Sandy, Pat and Tim... so sorry for your loss. Our families were friends and neighbors for a long time. George was a wonderful person and I know he will be missed greatly. Sending hugs, prayers and comforting thoughts to you all during this time and always. Love to you all.
04/10/2022
Debra Campbell
Uncle George will be missed
Prayers go out to everyone. He was a special person ??
So sorry to hear of George's death. While I was only in Johnson City for a few years I have fond memories of him and enjoyed getting to know him. May God be with the family during these difficult days. Mike West
So sorry for your loss. May God be with you.
04/10/2022
Marlene Jaynes
You will be missed Uncle George.
Pat I’m very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the entire family.
04/09/2022
David and Sandra Holt
Dear Sandra, Pat, Tim and Family, We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to your family. George was a special friend to both sides of our family and we will never forget him spending part of his Christmas day with our family during the death of David's dad, Clyde Holt. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead. This world is not our home. We're just passing through. Can't wait until that glad reunion in heaven but until then it is our job to encourage each other and help spread the gospel until Jesus comes! May God's blessings be upon you.
So sorry to hear the sad news of Brother George's passing but I am happy he is now in heaven with the Lord. I will be seeing you all on Monday and Tuesday. As a minister, my advise to the family, there is lots of folk to lean on, we all will be praying for you and if you need to, cry a river because that is good medicine. I still go to the gravesite of Mother and Father and often cry a spell. It helps me. Your church loves you all dearly, the community does as well and George will be membered by all who knew him. May the good Lord bless you through this time of grief, and keep you safe.
04/09/2022
Beth (Cartee) Robinson
The Jaynes family touched and Blessed our lives greatly when my father JC Cartee was pastor at New Salem Baptist. We have many fond memories that we have cherished thru the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love, Peggy Cartee and Beth (Cartee) Robinson
Pat I’m very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the entire family.
