John Herndon Townsend

John Herndon Townsend, 64, of Memphis, retired Stockbroker and Operatic Tenor, died at home on Wednesday. He grew up in Forest, MS, the son of Dr. George and Mary Helen Townsend. He was a graduate of Forest Hill High School and The University of Mississippi.

Upon graduation from Ole Miss he began a thirty five year investment career. He was a member of Union Avenue Baptist Church where he faithfully served as soloist, Chairman of Deacons and Trustee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son Robinson Ott Townsend. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Claudia Muth Townsend, a son, Christian Coffee Townsend (Jennifer), and a grandson, John Robinson Townsend, all of Memphis. He also leaves two brothers, George Gray Townsend Jr. of Russellville, AR and Joe Linfield Townsend of Forest, MS.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Saturdaya at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Poplar Avenue. Services will be held at Union Avenue Baptist Church at 2181 Union Ave. on Sunday at 2:00pm. Visitors will be received at 1:15pm. Burial will be at Memorial Park following the service.

Memorials may be sent to Union Avenue Baptist Church.