Jack L Harrold

Jack L Harrold, 81, passed away on May 31, 2026. He was born November 29, 1944, in Morristown, TN. Jack lived with a steady kind of courage—patriotic in spirit, faithful at heart, and resilient through every season. He worked hard, spoke plainly and honestly, and carried a warm humor that could ease a room without asking for attention. Above all, Jack was devoted: to God, to family, to church, and to country—commitments he held close and lived out daily.

Jack graduated from Morristown High School in 1963, where he ran track and excelled as both a half-back and defensive back. He earned several scholarship opportunities to play football before choosing to attend Morehead State University—an early sign of the independence and quiet strength that would guide so many of his decisions.

After college, Jack worked at American Enka for five years before changing careers and moving to Chattanooga in 1971 to join the JCPenney Co. With characteristic grit and dependability, he worked his way up over the years, eventually serving as District Marketing Maintenance Manager for North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He retired from JCPenney in 2001, then immediately stepped into a new chapter with Johnson Controls, helping facilitate the company’s transition to contractual building and facilities maintenance before retiring again in 2002. Still not one to sit still for long, Jack went on to work for East Ridge Retirement Center in 2002, overseeing building and facilities maintenance and leading through the challenging flood of 2009. Jack finally retired from working in 2011—though in many ways, his steady willingness to show up and help never really retired at all.

In retirement, Jack greatly enjoyed being with family and often traveled to visit his grandchildren. He cherished quiet time with his wife, Charlotte, at their cabin in the Smoky Mountains, and he also loved cruising in the Caribbean—simple, treasured spaces where his gratitude and contentment were easy to see.

Jack loved God, family, his church, and his country. He found joy outdoors as an avid hunter, and he loved sports—especially football and baseball, along with NASCAR. He was devoted to the Tennessee Vols, the Braves, and any team his family was involved with. Later in life, he enjoyed working puzzles, birdwatching, and attending church when he was able. A member of Stuart Heights Baptist Church, Jack’s faith was not just something he spoke of—it was something that shaped his days, strengthened him through hardships, and anchored his love for others.

Jack will also be remembered by many in the community for his years of coaching baseball and softball, serving as a little league coach for 17 years. He was a family man who loved life, kept a smile close, and offered a kind word freely—an everyday steadiness that made people feel seen, welcomed, and encouraged.

Jack is survived by his spouse, Charlotte Harrold; children, Jason (Sarah), Nathan (Crissy), Renee (Andy) Wood, and Leah (Brigg) Goins; grandchildren, Savannah Prater, Kiley (Will) Stockley, Mayce (Clay) Carter, Reagan (Isaac)Vaughan, Katie Wood, Dylan Harrold, Mason Wood, Aubrey Harrold, Taylor Harrold, Tucker Goins, Evan Harrold, and Oscar Goins; and great-grandchildren, Lucas Harrison and Tatum Carter.

A Celebration of Jack's life will take place on Friday June 5, 2026, at 1pm at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Pastors Andy Wood and Brian Smith officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11am. He will be laid to rest in the Hamilton Memorial Gardens following the service.

The family is grateful for the many people who provided support for Jack in the last several years, and would like to specifically thank Dr. Richard Pigg and his staff for their love and care; Jack’s entire Sunday school class for providing countless meals, support, and encouragement; and his neighbors in Tall Pines for not only caring for Jack but supporting Charlotte faithfully at all times of the day and night.

Jack would always end the day by telling Charlotte, “Merry Christmas,” and she would always reply, “Happy New Year.” He said his final “Merry Christmas” to her just a couple of hours before he went to see Jesus. And in his own simple, honest way, Jack would like to let everyone know that he was “glad we got to see him.”

Please share your thoughts and memories online with the family at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.