A 1967 graduate of Fulton High School, Jimmy played varsity football and had a gift for making people laugh. After graduation, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam. Later, he built a career with the Tennessee Valley Authority while also dedicating 25 years to the Tennessee Army National Guard – a commitment he truly enjoyed, especially flying helicopters on Guard weekends and spending two weeks each summer camping in the woods with his fellow soldiers.
Jimmy was many things – carpenter, comedian, soccer coach, veteran, husband, father, brother and friend – but at his core, he was a provider. And he never met a stray – human or animal – he wouldn’t take in.
A lifelong Tennessee Vols fan, Jimmy even grew to love a bulldog just because his son did. He loved music (especially loud music), and one of Brad’s fondest memories is of the two of them blasting Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours on Jimmy’s vintage hi-fi stereo in the basement – Jimmy grinning as he cranked the volume “up to eleven,” despite Becky telling him to turn it down.
He had a deep love for his family and a quiet strength that carried them through the good and hard times. His marriage to Becky Darden Overton spanned 55 years of laughter, devotion, and faith. Together, they were active members of Woodlawn Christian Church, Seymour Heights Christian Church, and First Baptist Seymour.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Becky; his mother Betty Major Overton; his father Albert Lou Overton Jr., and his brother Bobby Overton.
Survivors include his daughter, Valerie McKinney and husband Mike; son, Brad Overton and wife Heather; sister Connie Overton; and his grandson and pride and joy, Cole Overton. He also leaves behind cherished lifelong friends – Ernie and Celia Tracy, William and Mary Ruth Kidd, and Rita Andrew – along with many nieces, nephews, and the countless “stray friends” who found a second home in his heart and house over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.
A military service honoring Jimmy’s life and legacy will be held at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN on Monday, June 30 at 12:30 p.m., A Celebration of Life service will follow at Woodlawn Christian Church, 4339 Woodlawn Pike, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with a receiving of friends and family reception immediately after.
Jimmy Overton lived with generosity, loyalty, grit, and heart. He leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and unconditional love – and a volume dial permanently turned to eleven.
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Overton family at www.berryfuneralhome.com
