Jack Long Maupin

Here’s a short summary of Dad’s life and a brief tribute to him. All the glory goes to God for Dad’s consecrated Christian living and service.

Dad was born on February 20, 1933, in Johnson City, Tennessee to the late Willis Allen and Bessie Blevins Maupin. Dad was the last of six sons. He was preceded in death by brothers Shirley Maupin, Preston Allen Maupin, Horace Lee Maupin, Paul Maupin and Eugene Maupin.

After serving three years in the US Army Dad returned stateside and was married to the love of his life, Vedia Cloral Crain, for 58 years until her passing in 2013. He and mom resided in Johnson City, Tennessee raising four sons and a daughter; Noel-deceased (Pat), Kenneth (Brandi) and Joy of Johnson City, TN; Phillip (Sylvia) of Rock Hill, SC; and Jackie of Bristol, TN. Dad was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather (PaPaw).

Dad came to the saving faith in Jesus Christ in 1958 and spent his entire 68-year career in pastoral ministry in Tennessee where he served as pastor and filled in for other churches in the area as needed. He continued in part-time ministry until the age of 89.

Dad was a man of integrity. What we heard him preach publicly at church, we saw him live privately at home. By the Lord’s enablement, he truly did live a life that was above reproach from a human perspective. Dad was a man of God’s word, the Bible. He had a heart for those who needed the savior. He not only talked the talk – He walked the walk.

All the glory goes to God for Dad’s consecrated Christian living and service. Dad was called as a Christian and provided his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a godly heritage and he served the Lord faithfully.

Dad’s final years in life were more difficult and discouraging for him, especially as he experienced physical decline which curtailed his ability to carry out his accustomed ministries. But even through those challenging years he remained fully trusting, extremely patient and very thankful for God’s many blessings. He never exhibited self-pity or resentment. The final months of his life he just wanted to go be with the Lord, and we his family members are grateful that God has mercifully granted that earnest desire.

We grieve our temporary earthly separation from Dad but rejoice that he is safe with his glorious Savior, has already been clothed with Christ’s perfect righteousness and has begun to experience eternal life in Heaven. The declaration of 2 Timothy 4:7-8 holds true for Dad. He fought the good fight, he kept the faith, he finished the race. He has received his crown of righteousness awarded to him by his Lord and Saviour.

He will be missed by his children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and all who knew and loved him.

"This is not goodbye, it's see you later" -Jack