Jack Drennen Vincent

Jack was born Mach 7, 1931, in Chattanooga, and grew up on Missionary Ridge. He attended Notre Dame school, and graduated from Central High School and the University of Chattanooga in 1954 where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Jack retired from Mueller Co with 34 years of service as the manager of quality control. His family learned to admire every fire hydrant seen on any vacation to determine if it had indeed been made in Chattanooga. He was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and for many years, Jack and his wife Rachel helped the younger children offer a Seedling Sunday program for the congregation. Many of those trees bear their fruit today.

Jack’s interests were very diverse. He was a naturalist and outdoorsman being a salt and fresh water fisherman, a duck and goose hunter, and an avid boater. He and his wife were lifetime members of the Chattanooga Sail and Power Squadron, hosting a well-loved annual fish fry on the Hiwassee River in Meigs County, Tn. In addition, he enjoyed being a private pilot, making his first cross-country solo flight 1975.

He was a past president of the American Society of Metallurgists, and Vice-chair of the American Foundry Association. He was a member of the Chattanooga Audubon Society. Jack loved classical music, and played in numerous bands which paid his way through college. He played the French horn for six years in the Chattanooga Symphony before entering the service.

Additionally, Jack was a card holding member of the Cherokee Nation, being a 7th generation descendent of Nancy Ward. He treasured the many “cousins” and friends he made through the TN and National Trail of Tears Associations, and considered them his extended family.

Jack was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 50 years, Rachel Farr Vincent; mother, Irene Gossett Vincent; father, Charles D. Vincent; sister, Mary Vincent McConkey, and nephew James McConkey; in addition to loyal pals Brownie, Little Bit, and Judd.

Jack is survived by daughter, Dr. Nancy Vincent Watts, and grandson, John Morgan Watts, of Chattanooga; son Timothy Parks Vincent and grandson Lucas James Vincent of Aiken, SC, nieces Elizabeth Knox and Carolyn Mancuso-Seagraff of Gallatin, and several great nieces and nephews. Duck hunting buddy Hazen Whit, special friends Dr. Laurie Hodge, Maria Stark, and LeGrand Williams, and favorite friend, Janet Hale, St. Paul’s Pastoral Care Minister.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Life Care Hixson for their quality care and companionship.

A small graveside service was held Friday, August 23, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery.

Family will welcome friends on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 3:00 pm for Holy Eucharist followed by a Celebration of Life from 3:30-5:30 pm at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 West 7th Street, Chattanooga TN 37402.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are appreciated at The Hiwassee River Heritage Center, Post Office Box 807 Charleston, TN 37310.

Please visit www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com to share your memories of Jack.

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.