John M Linkous

He owned and operated John Linkous Jewelry in downtown Knoxville for 51 years. At the age of 80, he closed his business and came home to be with his loving wife. John was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Anti-tank Company, 184TH Infantry, 7TH Division, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, and the Bronze Star. He was elected President of his Infantry Division Association’s annual reunion. John was born in Stephens, Arkansas, and is preceded in death by his parents, George W. and Virginia Marshall Linkous, all his siblings, grandsons David Munsey and Robert “Bobby” Bean. He is survived by his loving wife and faithful companion of almost 74 years, Vivian Grissom Linkous; daughters, Betty Bean, Susan (Jerry) Munsey, Karen (Benny) Carter, Rebecca “Becky” Bledsoe, Sherri (Ron) Trentham; son, John (Beverly) Linkous, Jr.; grandchildren, Alan (Lawana) Bean, Angela (Lynn) Bolton, Rebecca (Ronald) Gray, Terri Leann Munsey, Jennifer (Aaron) Huddlestun, Julie (Thomas) Meunier, Janet Carter, Jill Bledsoe, Lori Bledsoe, Madison Trentham, Marleigh Trentham, Mallory (Brad) Dietz, Miranda (Vic) Nunes, John Linkous III, Morgan Parker, and Myiah Goode; thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great- grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Weaver Funeral Home with the service to follow. Family and friends will meet at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Weaver Funeral Home to go in procession to East Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery on Governor John Sevier Hwy, for a 9:30 a.m. interment service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Air Knoxville http://www.honorairknoxville.com/donations.html. Condolences may be left at www.weaverfuneralservices.com.