John Robert Tracy

John Robert Tracy, 89, of Murfreesboro, passed away early Wednesday morning, January 17, 2018 from heart complications caused by Alzheimer’s. Born December 27, 1928, to Llyal and Lucille Tracy in Port Angeles, WA, he grew up in Aberdeen, WA and graduated for Weatherwax High School in 1946. John played center for the University of Washington Huskies football team. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1951 with dual degrees in chemical and industrial engineering. Upon graduation, he was invited to play for the Baltimore Colts, but chose to join the U S Army. After his time in the military, he embarked on his career in the pulp and paper industry. John first worked for the Rayonier Paper Company and then joined Weyerhaeuser where he helped to open a plant in New Bern, NC. He retired from Weyerhaeuser in 1995. John truly loved to serve and was active in many civic organizations, including the Exchange Club, Rotary, the Elks and Civitan. He was the North Carolina Junior Civitan State Director for many years and also served as President of New Bern High School Band Booster. Upon retirement, John lived in Wilson, NC and then Tullahoma. A natural athlete, John played basketball and football until he was fifty years old, but developed a true love of golf during retirement. A lifelong Christian who loved and served the Lord, John had a gentle sweet spirit and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ray Tracy. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Freeman Tracy of Murfreesboro; two sons, Robert Llyal Tracy and his wife, Alice of Boise, ID and John Barry Tracy and his wife, Meredith of Islamorada, FL; step sons, Charles Fredere of Orange Beach, FL, David Fredere of Flint, MI and Kim Fredere of Morehead City, NC; step daughter, Ann McClaugherty and her husband, Robert of Murfreesboro; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2 PM at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home with burial to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will begin receiving friends at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church, 208 W. Lauderdale St, Tullahoma, TN 37388. Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.

John Robert Tracy

December 27, 1928 - January 16, 2018