John Wilson Sullivan

John Wilson Sullivan of Smyrna, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday August 6th, 2025 at the age of 95. He was born on April 17th, 1930 in Franklin, Tennessee where he grew up. He played football at Battle Ground Academy and Franklin High School where he was a graduate of the class of 1950. After his service in the United States Air Force, he graduated from the University of Tennessee and worked as a civil engineer, land surveyor, and landscape architect; retiring from the Tennessee State Department of Transportation. He was a husband, father, and brother who enjoyed dog training and bird hunting.

He is preceded in death by his father, Henry D Sullivan, mother, Bessie Osburn Sullivan, and beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth Sullivan. He is survived by his sister, Betty Jean Carver; son, John Wilson Sullivan Jr.; daughter, Elizabeth Sullivan Hair; son-in-law David Hair; son, Richard Dee Sullivan; daughter-in-law, Linda Sullivan; and grandchildren, Jacqueline Elizabeth Sullivan, Jackson Dee Sullivan, and Craig Lee Underwood, niece Beverly Jamison Lamb and grand nephew Joshua Dillion Lamb. The family would like to thank Jennifer de Leon Palala for the care and compassion she showed our loved one in his final years.

A private family service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the Humane Society or local animal shelter.