Herbert Calvin McLemore

McLemore, Herbert C., age 71, of South Knoxville was greeted at 5:30 PM, November 8, 2014 by his Lord and Savior, his family and friends that preceded him in death and heaven’s choir after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. The hymn, “Victory in Jesus” which Herbert played so often, is now his reality. Herbert was a 1960 graduate of Young High School and a graduate of Knoxville Business College. When Herbert was a senior in high school he began working at his parent’s florist, McLemore Florist. A few years later he met the love of his life, Jeannine Rogers and they were married in 1965. A couple of years later Jeannine joined Herbert in working at the family florist and together they served the South Knoxville community for the next 50 years. Herbert began playing the piano at Ft Hill Baptist Church at the age of 14 and became a member of Mt Olive Baptist Church in 1969. In 1971, Herbert became the church pianist and served faithfully as both pianist and Deacon until he could no longer attend due to his health. Herbert was also known for his telephone ministry of checking on others in their time of need. He treated everyone he met with dignity and respect. Herbert had a sweet spirit and loved the Lord. Although he suffered greatly for several years with his illness, his faith in the Lord never wavered and through his illness he was able to witness to others. Herbert leaves a legacy of love, kindness and loyalty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyle and Pearl McLemore. Herbert is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jeannine Rogers McLemore, son and daughter-in-law, Herbie and Kelly McLemore; daughters and sons-in-law; DeAnne and Kris Thomas; Jennifer and Ben Jackson. One of Herbert’s greatest joys and blessings in life were his grandchildren who will miss him greatly: Hunter and Hayden, Kylie, Cooper, Caroline, Cameron, Kendall, Kelsey, Christopher and Erin. Herbert is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Vivian Baldwin and Bobbie Willis and a host of other relatives. Family will receive friends 4 – 7 PM Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Mt Olive Baptist Church, 2500 Maryville Pike with a service celebrating Herbert’s life to follow at 7 PM. Rev. Fred Randles and Dr. Deron Cobb will be officiating. The family would like to invite former choir members to join the choir at Mt Olive who will sing during the Celebration of Life service. Please contact the church at 577-5559 if you would like to participate. Family and friends will meet at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 13, at Mt Olive Baptist Church and will proceed in procession to Woodlawn Cemetery for a 12 Noon interment service. Pallbearers will be Allan Jones, Vernon Swaggerty, Chris Phillips, Sam Kelly, Ben Jackson, Kris Thomas, John Jared Hunter and Hayden Grubb. Honorary pallbearers will be the Mt Olive Church choir members. Condolences may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com