Jack Towry, a dedicated community leader, beloved family man, and proud U.S. Navy veteran, passed away at the age of 93. Jack’s life was defined by a spirit of service, beginning with his time in the military and continuing throughout his decades-long commitment to his hometown of Lincoln County.
Born and raised in Lincoln County, Jack was a graduate of Central High School. He served his country during the Korean War era with the U.S. Navy. After his service, he began a fulfilling 30-year career with Eastern Airlines in Miami, Florida. Following his retirement, he returned to the place he called home, dedicating himself to bettering his community.
An active and influential figure, Jack was involved in a wide array of civic organizations and projects. He was a 1995 graduate of Lincoln Leadership and remained an engaged board member. His leadership was recognized with numerous honors, including the Tennessee Servant Leadership Award in 2005, the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award, and being voted Mr. Lincoln County alongside his wife, June, in 2007.
Jack was passionate about preserving local history. As the Lincoln County Genealogist, he chaired the committee that produced the Heritage Book of Lincoln County. He also led the county’s Bi-Centennial Committee, which resulted in the Lincoln County Pictoral History books, volumes I and II, ensuring that the county’s legacy would be remembered for generations. Mr. Towry was still serving on the Camp Blount Historic Site Association, keeping the cemetery books and overseeing the care of Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Jack served his community in many official capacities, including as a commissioner for District 4 and on various committees, such as the Airport Authority and the Grand Jury. He and his wife, June, were lifelong members of Kirkland Baptist Church, where Jack served as a deacon and June taught Sunday school.
Jack’s greatest pride was his family. Jack is survived by his children, Betsy (Jeff) May, David (Brenda) Towry, Debbie (Garth) Yorba, and Joel Towry; grandchildren, David (Brandie) Holley, Melissa (Jo) Hammond, Jesse (Katie) May, Phillip Towry, Josh (Courtney) Towry, Sean (Rachel) May, Kelly (Cassie) Yorba, Mary (Jesse) Meadows, Jared (Tasha) Towry, and Walker (Teresa) May; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Elma Bates Towry; his wife, Mary June Hopkins Towry; brother, Charles Emmett Towry; and his sister, Betty Towry Bynum.
Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Jeremy Hudgins officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Kirkland Baptist Church, 655 Ardmore Hwy, Taft, TN 38488 or HH Lincoln Home Health and Hospice, 106 Medical Center Blvd., Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Jack Towry.
Jane, I just read this about Jack; I’m so sorry. I worked with Jack and June for 7 years on Leadership Lincoln and workers they were!! I always said that Lincoln County didn’t know how to appreciate their hard work and dedication. He was such a happy person and could always make a difficult situation not seem so bad. I miss him, just knowing he’s not there.
RIP and fly high with mama June. I remember when me and mom first came to Fayetteville from Florida and playing with my cousin David at your house.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I’m glad I saw him this May. He was his usual self, smiling & joking. Condolences to you all.
Mr Jack was a best all around guy! My mother was so glad when he and June moved back here- She used to run around with them and Mardell and Martha Jean Gray Vaughn and others-They worked so hard for the Bellview community and putting up tomato juice and canning that big garden— his sister said that when they were old enough to drag a milk bucket- they would be put to work on the farm- hated so bad we could not be there- love you all praying for you- Will see them again❤️❤️
I only got to see Mr Towry a few times recently and afew times when taking care of his wife. I have heard many stories of him and he leaves behind a great legacy. I did have the honor to become friends with one of his legacies. Mr towry you did a great job raising Debbie and no doubt have been a great Godly infleunce on her children and grandchildren because they are fine people. God brought the Yorba’s and us together through RCA sports through our kids. Friends that may not speak everyday and hangoit but the kind of friends that are there whenn you need them.I just want to let all of Mr Towry’s family, know that you are all in my prayers. Stay close as a family and continue to gather and continue that love that Mr and Mrs Towry had for each of you. Carry on the Holiday get togethers and remember them, share stories so the next generation will know their heritage. You all are a big loving family.
So sorry for your loss Mr Jack was one of the good one always enjoyed talking with him at the fair
Such a sweet man!