J. Edward "Ed" Hennessee, 78, went to his heavenly home on Monday, June 18, 2018 at his home after a brief illness.
He was a lifelong resident of McMinn County and was a son of the late Johnie and Rosa Lee Hennessee. He was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Bill Morrow and Virgil Henry.
He was a member and deacon of Oak Grove Baptist Church where he also served as Music Director for 50 years. Most recently, he was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Athens.
He was an employee of Mayfields' Dairy, and owned and operated Ed Hennessee Builders for 31 years.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Faye Hickman Hennessee; son, Ronnie (Tracey) Hennessee; daughter, Tonia (Roger) Martin all of Athens; grandchildren, Natalie Hennessee, Whitney Martin, Emily Martin and John Spencer Hennessee; sisters, Betty Morrow of Athens, Charlotte (Jacky) Davis of Riceville, Frances (Dan) Walker of Athens; Anna (Billy) Moon of Decatur; Carolyn (George) Brown of Riceville, and Connie (John) Powers of Cleveland; brother-in-law, Taylor (Donna) Hickman of Decatur; and sister-in-law, Susie Henry of Athens.
A funeral service will be conducted 11:00 am, Thursday, June 21, 2018 in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Dr. Jason Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Smith Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be John Spencer Hennessee, Jeff Walker, Jason Hickman, Tim Henry, Jamey McKenzie and Lee Swafford. Honorary pallbearers will be Rudy Swafford, Johnny McCracken, Calvin Womac, Don Wattenbarger, Taylor Hickman and Allen Hickman.

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