Obituary for Johnny Eugene McGrew
Johnny Eugene McGrew, 79, of Sweetwater and formerly of Athens, passed away, Thursday, February 17, 2022 at U. T. Medical Center in Knoxville.
Johnny was a son of the late Thomas McGrew, and was also preceded in death by a beloved brother Jerry McGrew.
He was of the Baptist Faith. Johnny was a well known master cabinet maker and builder of 18th century style furniture. He was also known worldwide for his handcrafted carvings some shared with past presidents and members of the legislature. Johnny wore many hats over his lifetime, he was currently serving on the Board of Directors of the McMinn Living Heritage Museum, and he was a past president of the McMinn County Amateur Radio Club. He was a participant in IHRA drag racing world holder 1973 and 1974 at Bristol, TN motor speedway. He also restored many classic cars, after retirement he became an avid builder of mountain dulcimers, he was the founding member of Harmony and G.R.I.T.S dulcimer group.
His passion was McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, he did many demonstration for the school children, and he was the first to do this type of demonstration for the children.
He is survived by his treasured wife and soul mate of 60 years Becky Webb McGrew of Sweetwater; mother, Stella Green McGrew of Athens; cherished daughter and son-in-law, Mary Beth and Keith Ellis of N. Pole, Alaska; one adored granddaughter and her husband, Ashley and Adrian Zaldana of LA, California; dear sister, Sharon Hood of Athens; sister-in-law, Jeanette McGrew of Englewood; many caring nieces and nephews; and a special heartfelt cousin Loretta Workman of Beaver Creek, Ohio.
There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Johnny's life from 4:00-6:00, Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home. There will be no formal service.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Hicks, Steven Byars, Lowell Axley, James Earl Slack, Evan Ray, and Bill Curtis.
The family suggests memorial be made to McMinn Living Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 889, Athens, TN 37371-0889.
Johnny was a son of the late Thomas McGrew, and was also preceded in death by a beloved brother Jerry McGrew.
He was of the Baptist Faith. Johnny was a well known master cabinet maker and builder of 18th century style furniture. He was also known worldwide for his handcrafted carvings some shared with past presidents and members of the legislature. Johnny wore many hats over his lifetime, he was currently serving on the Board of Directors of the McMinn Living Heritage Museum, and he was a past president of the McMinn County Amateur Radio Club. He was a participant in IHRA drag racing world holder 1973 and 1974 at Bristol, TN motor speedway. He also restored many classic cars, after retirement he became an avid builder of mountain dulcimers, he was the founding member of Harmony and G.R.I.T.S dulcimer group.
His passion was McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, he did many demonstration for the school children, and he was the first to do this type of demonstration for the children.
He is survived by his treasured wife and soul mate of 60 years Becky Webb McGrew of Sweetwater; mother, Stella Green McGrew of Athens; cherished daughter and son-in-law, Mary Beth and Keith Ellis of N. Pole, Alaska; one adored granddaughter and her husband, Ashley and Adrian Zaldana of LA, California; dear sister, Sharon Hood of Athens; sister-in-law, Jeanette McGrew of Englewood; many caring nieces and nephews; and a special heartfelt cousin Loretta Workman of Beaver Creek, Ohio.
There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Johnny's life from 4:00-6:00, Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home. There will be no formal service.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Hicks, Steven Byars, Lowell Axley, James Earl Slack, Evan Ray, and Bill Curtis.
The family suggests memorial be made to McMinn Living Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 889, Athens, TN 37371-0889.