John Mitchell Valentine

John Mitchell Valentine was born on July 4, 1941 to the late Price W. and Eliza A. Valentine. He quietly departed this life on November 4, 2017 in Glendale, AZ. Born and raised in Gravel Hill, TN, he received Christ at an early age in the Gravel Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

He received his education in the Trousdale County School system and graduated from Ward High School in 1959. In September of 1959, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and 1965 he married his “sweetheart”, Joyce Anthony. To this union, two daughters were born.

John’s Air Force career spanned 26 years and he enjoyed the travel and experiences that it provided his family. He also treasured the lifelong friendships that he made. Throughout his career he received a number of accommodations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Accommodation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and the Air Force Longevity Ribbon. He retired from Luke AFB, Arizona in 1985 and continued to enjoy the sunshine, living in Glendale Arizona until departed. While he loved visiting different places, his love of “home” brought him to Tennessee every year that he could make it.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Joyce; daughters, Sondra Fonville (Ypsilanti, MI) and Dawn Valentine (Glendale, AZ); grandson, Devante Fonville (Ypsilanti, MI); granddaughter, Brionne Fonville (Kalamazoo, MI); sisters, Sally Anderson (Bronx, NY) and Dorothy Black (Gallatin, TN); brother, Leonard Valentine (Knoxville, TN); brother-in-law Reece Black (Gallatin, TN); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sondra Fonville, Assistant Director for Scholarships

University of Michigan | Office of Financial Aid

515 E. Jefferson | 2500 Student Activities Building

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316

P: 734.763.6600 | F: 734.647.3081

finaid.umich.edu Helping U Go Blue

Arrangements under the direction of Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home, Nashville, TN.