John D. Back Jr.

John D. Back, Jr., age 86, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Franklin Woods Community Hospital. He was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia and grew up running everywhere he went. He was a son of the late Ethel Fields Keen and John D. Back, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step father, Grover Keen; wife’s parents, Raymond E (Nip) and Madge Curtis; great grandson, Dylan Back; sister, Lucille Back Walker; and nephew, Jimmy Walker.

John was an exceptional person who loved the outdoors. He was always ready to help others in any way he could. He served in the United States Army. John worked his entire life and was the best at whatever he did. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Curtis Back; four children, Greg Back and wife Jan, Alan Back, John D. Back III and wife Robin, and Elizabeth Smith; grandchildren, Daniel Back and wife Danielle, Jessica Morris and husband Frankie, Logan Back and fiancé Lindsey Grindstaff, Josh Smith, Brianna Smith, Beth Hickman and Jude Hickman; great grandchildren, Samuel Morris, Lexi Morris, Dawson Back, Daxton Back, Riley Still, David Saunders, Clay Saunders, and Keely Saunders; sisters, Polly Back Krell and Shirley Keen Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 9:00AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 515 Hart Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, with Rev. Jim Chapman officiating. Military Committal Service and Inurnment will follow at 11:00AM at Mountain Home National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Ronald McDonald House, 418 N State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, TN 37604 or to the American Legion of Kingsport.

Arrangements especially for Mr. John D. Back, Jr. and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.