Henry Lloyd Wattenbarger

Henry Lloyd Wattenbarger, 78, passed away November 19, 2023 after a courageous battle with several health issues. Lloyd is survived by his beloved wife, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Jacoby, Oak Ridge; sister Marjorie (Ronnie) Phillips, Clinton; sister AnnSue Wattenbarger, Mt. Juliet; nephew Dr. Darryl (Jennifer) Phillips, Knoxville; nephew Dr. Jason (Kathryn) Phillips and their sons: Landon, Britton, and Cameron, Knoxville; sister-in-law Margie (Barry) Hanson, Anacortes,WA; Margie’s children: Cheri Blodgett; Monty (Gloria) Smith, Misty (Scott) Vogtritter and Scott (Melissa) Hanson. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Christine and Henry Doyle Wattenbarger and dear brother-in-law, John Gibi (AnnSue’s husband).

Lloyd grew up in Kingston, TN and was a “Top Three” honors graduate of Roane County High School and a Phi Kappa Phi graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education. His sophomore collegiate year was spent at the Universidad de Las Americas in Mexico City, where he lived with his gracious Tovar family. He also participated in a summer-term Lion’s International Exchange Program in Mexico.

In 1967, Lloyd began a 33 year career as a language teacher at Oak Ridge High School (ORHS). Spanish and French students at all levels were inspired by his outgoing personality and hearty encouragement to reach their academic potential while developing an appreciation of language arts and culture. Students adored Lloyd and called him “SEÑOR,” an affectionate title that he cherished.

Lloyd was a joy to all students and colleagues. He and Jackie were sponsors of the Masquer’s Club student play productions for 25 years. Lloyd was the overall director while Jackie, an ORHS physics teacher, led technical crew and set design. Serving as ORHS Student Council Advisor for many years, he inspired students to become school and community leaders. Additionally, Lloyd was a Ski Club and Bridge Club sponsor and led several student groups on summer international travels. He eagerly accepted additional responsibilities such as chaperoning student delegations to the annual North American Invitational Model United Nations competition in Washington, DC. As an official “Ticket Taker” at all home football games, he enjoyed greeting Wildcat fans.

After their graduation, Lloyd’s interest in students continued. He encouraged them to send him postcards of their travels and invitations to their college graduations and weddings. Through the years he attended approximately 225 graduations and 400 weddings of students, family, and friends. He also made it a priority to attend ORHS alumni class reunions. His last such celebration was the 50th reunion of the Class of ’73 in October of this year.

Upon retirement from ORHS and his long-term assignment as chairman of the Foreign Language Department, Lloyd enjoyed working as a travel agent for Polaris Travel, Oak Ridge. He loved instilling an interest in travel, suggesting places to visit, and planning trip itineraries.

Lloyd was kind, gracious, sharing, and hospitable. Everywhere he went he filled the room with his extroverted and big-hearted spirit. He had a captivatingly contagious laugh. He never met a stranger. To celebrate birthdays of family and friends, Lloyd would faithfully call and sing “Las Mananitas.” He was always thrilled to open his home to entertain guests. He often entertained family and friends from all over the world and stayed close to many former foreign exchange students. During the summer, he especially enjoyed sharing his boat with students, family, and friends by taking them water skiing. “UNCLE LLOYD” was an affectionate title bestowed on him because of his obvious love for numerous children of his friends, cousins, and others. He also enjoyed hosting an annual Christmas dinner for his high school classmates, the Roane County High School Class of 1963. It gave him much pleasure to share his culinary creations with others. On occasion, he was known to travel with his homegrown okra to demonstrate how to prepare “southern fried okra”.

As a tireless world traveler, Lloyd visited 179 countries. For 40 years, he highlighted his adventures and travels in an annual Christmas letter. His mailing list grew to approximately 300 persons and represented many foreign countries. Lloyd had a fascination with the history of the British royal family and enjoyed collecting royal memorabilia. Perhaps now, he is laughing and sharing stories and “a cuppa” with Queen Elizabeth II.

Over the past few years, Lloyd had a lot of difficult days due to health problems, but you would not have known it given his positive, never complaining attitude. Jackie was his constant and loving companion in sickness and in health. Lloyd’s impact on the lives of others will live forever in their hearts and actions. He was “one of a kind,” living his “life to the fullest.” As a member of First Baptist Church, Kingston, his daily living reflected his Christian values. He personified the motto: “Live by Faith, Not Fear.”

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, December 2, 12 – 2 pm at Calhoun’s Event Center in Oak Ridge, TN. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Lloyd’s memory to any of the following : the Oak Ridge High School Masquer’s Club, a youth group of your choice, or the American Diabetes Association.

Henry Lloyd Wattenbarger, age 78, of Kingston, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Wattenbarger family.