Bobby Dwight Madewell

Bobby Dwight Madewell, age 82, of Knoxville, TN gently passed through the veil into the arms of his Savior, on Friday, September 19, enveloped in the love, of his family. Bobby was born in Albany, Kentucky on January 1st, 1943, to his parents who preceded him in death, Dwight “Blackie” Madewell and Nellie Mae Koger. One of his favorite ways to celebrate his New Year’s Day birthday was to put the top down on his convertible and take a scenic drive, despite the weather. Janace, his beautiful wife, was not a fan of the tradition, but always went along for the ride because of her devotion to him. Bob was also preceded in death by the love of his life and mother to his four children, Janace Faye Hill. Bob and Janace met in Oak Ridge in 1965 at a carhop where Janace was a waitress. Bob always said it was love at first sight because Janace had great legs. They married on August 21, 1965, and enjoyed a beautiful life together building their family and enjoying the blessings of a busy active family life. Bob always instilled in his four children, Mike, Monica, Melanie, and Mark, a loyalty to family and an unwavering loyalty to country. Bob’s children watched their dad serve his country, his family, and his fellow man throughout their lives. As a devoted family man, Bob loved being surrounded by his children and all of his family- his daughter-in-law, Lori Madewell, his son-in-laws, Charles Irvine and Jeremiah Kosko and his grandchildren, Sullivan and wife, Krystle, Keenan, Sawyer and wife, Jasmine, Summer, Jordan and husband, Jonathan, Noah, Hannah, Daniel, Mikiala, Rebekah, Lucas, Colten and his great grandchildren, Layla, Mia, and Asher. Bob never grew tired of family. He typically called his children every day and even multiple times a day. His children describe him as a father who was simply there. There when it mattered. There during the small days and there during the big days. He showed up! He was always just “there.” They are each so very grateful. Bob was a registered Independent Financial Planner with First Affiliated Securities, Inc. He specialized in tax-related investments and retirement planning for individuals and corporations. Having a great love for the stock market, he offered management of full discount stock trading. Until his passing, one of his favorite hobbies was trading stock options. As a devoted Republican, Bob was always participating in politics. He was the Chairman of the Anderson County Republican Party for a number of years and was closely involved in many elections over the years including County chairman for Governor Winfield Dunn in 1969. He and his wife Janace belonged to the Jaycees and Jaycettes (a major civic and community service organization) for many years. They worked to make a difference in their community through service. Bob was also a Shriner in his early life, something that he was very proud of. Service was Bob’s greatest talent and his great love. As a HAM Radio operator, he loved volunteering as a Deputy Sheriff for Anderson County during snowstorms and emergency situations. He was the vice president of the Oak Ridge Amateur Radio Club, ARES and MARS which also provided many acts of service to the community. Once Bob obtained his pilot’s license, Bob was in the air as often as time and money allowed. One of his favorite things to do was to take friends and anyone who trusted him enough on a plane ride. Of course, if you went up with him, you had to be prepared for him to turn the engine off of the plane so he could show you how the plane glided. Thus, not many went up with him. He truly loved it! Of all his private and public service, Bob was most proud of his service to his country. Bob served as an active-duty electronic technician onboard USS Jonas Ingram (DD-938) in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He then served in the Tennessee Air National Guard at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base until transferring to the Navy Reserve DATASYSGRU Unit where he eventually retired after 24 years of service as a Radioman Chief Petty Officer. Above all, his family and friends will remember him for his fierce loyalty, his unwavering commitment to serving them in endless ways, and his big personality that was sparkled with fun, independence, strong opinions (we can laugh now) and endless love. Matthew 7:16 “Ye shall know them by their fruits,” is a verse that allows one to know where Bob’s heart and mind were ultimately focused. His family and friends are better people and better citizens for knowing him.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 400 Kendall Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919, following the memorial service family and friends will gather for a 1:00pm committal service at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, where full military honors will be rendered. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Madewell family at www.berryfuneralhome.com.

Services Entrusted to:

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666