Jack G. Lavender

Jack G. Lavender, age 85, of Sautee Nacoochee passed away August 31, 2021

Jack was born on March 17th, 1936 in Franklin, Tennessee to the late Hershel and Josephine Lavender.  His sister, June Wayman, still resides in Nashville. Jack grew up in Franklin Tennessee.

After graduation Jack served in the Marine Corp from 1954-1956.

He attended Middle Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in science and later a master’s degree in education.  His career included teaching science at Fernbank Science Center [‘61-’64] and teaching physical education at Brockett Elementary School [‘64-’67].  He was the youngest principal in Dekalb County at Idlewood Elementary School in Tucker, Georgia from 1967-1983. Jack finished his career as an administrator for Dekalb County School System [‘84-’89]. 

After retirement Jack served on the board of the Georgia Federal Credit Union for 30 years. Jack enjoyed tennis, poker, pitching horseshoes and singing.  He always loved old-time gospel music, and the family often gathered on their porch to sing together.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Katie Lou Brittain Lavender.

Survivors include: his wife of 23 years, Ruth Ann Cloyd Lavender; his son Britt [Gretchen] Lavender, grandchildren-Blaisdell [Savannah], Preston [Hannah],  Quentin [Kara], and great grandchildren-Taylor Grace, Beckham, and Raine; his daughter Tina [Steve] Weeks, grandchildren, Tyler [Velda], Ethan [Christina], and great grandchildren-Hudson and Bryce;  his daughter Polly [Chris] Wang, grandchildren-Garrett [Brittany], and Chase; his daughter Laura [Tommy] Watson, grandchildren-Luke, Mandy [Tommy], Jake, and Drew, and great grandchildren-Katie Mae, Owen, and Milo; his stepdaughter Kathy Cloyd Neilson, step grandchild-Alexis, and great grandchild Mary; and his stepdaughter Bonnie [Bobby] Ray, grandchildren- Emily Ann [Nathan], Allie, Sara Grace, and Hannah.  

Jack was a member of Mountain View Church of Christ in Cleveland.  

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 4th at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland, Georgia.  Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am, and the service will be at 11:00 am.  A family graveside service will be held in Nolensville, Tennessee Sunday, September 5th at 2:00 pm.

A livestream of the service can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/596608022

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.