John Thomas Yancey

One of the most loved and repeated lawmen in Tennessee died suddenly August 21, 2015 at his home. John Thomas Yancey, 66, devoted 39 hearts o this life to community service. John began his career in 1976 as a patrol officer in the detective division with the Covington, TN Police Department. After three years he joined the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, where he served for 28 years. While there, he was in charge of day to day operations of Patrol Support Services. He and his special dog, Immo were also an important addition to the Canine Unit. During those years at Shelby County, he attended and graduated from the FBI academy at Quantico, VA, and earned diving instructor certification as well as certification in antiterrorism and emergency management operations. After moving to Dandridge in 2007, he joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office under the command of Sheriff David Davenport. During that time he also worked with the Dandridge and White Pine Police Departments. At his death, he was the Chief of Police at Baneberry. A genial giant, John’s heart was as big as his stature. He always wore a smile, told a good joke, a bad pun, or shared his spot-on impersonations. In 2014, Jefferson Countians voted him the most popular law enforcement officer in their county. A devoted member of the Blue Brotherhood, John served as the epitome of a policeman and was a mentor for younger officers. His humanitarian efforts were always extended toward the less fortunate; and he and his wife spent their lives dedicated to animal rescue. Their homes and hearts were havens for unwanted creatures - - from cats and dogs to birds, rodents and horses. John professed his Christian faith openly and exemplified that faith through his years of service for others. He will be missed by all who knew him, his humor and kindness a testament to a full and rewarding life. John is survived by his cherished wife, Sigrid; his daughter, Amy Hunt; his step-son, Mark Lane; brother, Summers (Shirley); sister, Jean (Gene) of Memphis; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial service 2:00 pm Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Dandridge’s Field of Dreams Activity Center, 1145 Treadway Drive. In honor of John’s wishes, memorial donations may be made to the Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 1031 Talbot, TN. 37877.

John Thomas Yancey

April 27, 1949 - August 21, 2015