At the age of 17, he proudly joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Storm King until the end of World War II in 1945. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he moved to Lufkin, Texas, and went to work for Southland Paper Mill.
In Texas he met the love of his life, Merlene Lazarine, and they were married on Jan. 20, 1947. He transferred to Bowater paper mill in 1954, bringing his bride home to the Tennessee hills that he loved so. He retired in 1989 from the paper mill but not from his many talents and skills.
He was a simple man who did not just love nature, but was in awe of it. This passion led to his work as a wood craftsman with a goal of enhancing the beauty of the wood. His love of plants led to a successful landscaping business, which even now can be enjoyed at businesses and homes in the surrounding area. His desire to grow the best vegetables and fruits developed into a grape vineyard that he cultivated from the vine to wine. His wine-making skills fostered his fondness of giving to others as he shared his wine with family and friends.
He loved the Lord wholeheartedly. He was of the Catholic faith and a parishioner of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church. The Knights of Columbus motto: “In service to one in service to all” was a perfect fit for Jack’s giving nature and as a Knight he gave many hours to church and civic projects.
This was easy in that he loved and served the Lord above all. While he humbly thanked God daily for his down-to-earth loves: wood, plants, trees, streams and rivers, he was most thankful for the love and blessings received from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his family as he always gave of himself to them. Whether he was showing a child the beauty of a bud bursting into a beautiful bloom; or how to correctly sand a piece of wood; or sharing a story of times past as grandchildren gathered; or giving a gentle lecture on the hard knocks of life, he loved his family unconditionally. He accepted each for who they were and loved them for who they are. His time given in sharing the simple pleasures of life with his family may well be his most loving gift as his memory will live on in their hearts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Carrie Chase; brothers: Lloyd, John, Verlin and Herman Chase; sisters: Louise and Gladys; and his furry, faithful companion, Weebles.
Survivors include his wife, Merlene Chase of Charleston; sons: Ronnie Chase and his wife, Joyce, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., and Donnie Chase of Georgetown; daughter, Carrie Martin and her husband, Allen, of Charleston; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and brother, Charlie Chase of Detroit, Mich.
Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 24, 2010, at St. Therese Catholic Church with Father Antonio Giraldo officiating.
Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors. Matt Dixon, Marty Dixon, Colt Dale, Allen Martin, Dock Casteel and Chuck Nelson will be serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Chase and Mark Chase. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Fike Funeral Home. The visitation will conclude with a prayer service.
We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Chase family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.
