Jack Richard Naylor

Jack was born on October 5, 1934 in Finger,TN, the son of John Wesley Naylor and Lucille Stephens Naylor Johnson. As a child, he and his mother moved several times until settling in Jackson in 1950. He began working during adolescence to supplement the income of a single parent home. By the time he was 15 years old, he juggled three after school jobs, including a weekend supervisory position at The Jackson Sun.

Not a great student, Jack struggled with a reading disability. However, he excelled at math and business. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1952, and completed the bookkeeping curriculum at West Tennessee Business College. The school placed him as bookkeeper in charge of daily financial statements at Second National Bank.

The bank job was a good fit. He stayed 46 years until retiring as Senior Vice President of Investments and Acquisitions from what had become Bancorp South. He was proud of his occupation. Long after retirement, he still identified himself as a banker to people he would meet in everyday life.

Jack's retirement years introduced a different view to his world, and it was through a windshield. He discovered a brand new group of friends through part-time employment delivering cars for local dealerships. He treasured those new friendships.

He was a charter member of the Jackson Optimist Club that was a thriving civic club during the baby boomer years. Jack spent countless hours in leadership of local traditions Soap Box Derby, Fishing rodeo, and annual Christmas tree sale.

Jack also stretched his limits by serving as a medic in the Tennessee National Guard. Queasy at the sight of blood or needles, he persevered and was promoted to Master Sergeant under the direction of Jackson legend, Dr. T.K. Ballard.

He was generous with his time and served over 25 years on various government and institution committees including the Madison County Board of Commissioners and Budget Committee, the Health, Education, and Housing Facilities Board, and Board of Lane College.

He was a faithful supporter of Aldersgate United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and provided leadership during the years of building and moving to a new church facility. He was a member of the Wisdom Seekers Sunday School Class.

Most of all, Jack was proud of his family. He was devoted spouse, father, and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Doris Rollins Naylor, and son-in-law, Kevin R. Hunter.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn (Kathy) Naylor Hunter; grandson, Stephen Ramsey Hunter; granddaughter, Emily Kathryn Hunter; and the son of his heart, John H. Allen.

Jack was adored by his family and was blessed with a lifetime of happy memories of trips to the beach and Saturday morning rides with his grandson. He and Stephen shared a very special bond that overcame any complications that might arise from Stephen's autism. The connection between them was magical to witness.

Funeral services will be Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Aldersgate UMC, 1050 N. Parkway in Jackson. Visitation will be held at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 5-7 pm and from 1-2 p.m. at the church preceding the service on Sunday. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens.

To honor his memory, gifts may be directed to Aldersgate UMC or Asbury Communities of Tennessee (ACT). All contributions should be sent to the church at 1050 North Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305.

George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555