John Charles Retinger Jr.

John Charles Retinger, Jr., age 70, of Knoxville, TN passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, August 14, 2022. He was born April 4, 1952 in Charleston, WV to the late John Charles Retinger and Grace Nelson Retinger. John was a graduate of Patrick Henry High School of Roanoke, VA, class of 1970 where he was active in tennis and golf (that’s how he told it). He graduated from Emory & Henry College in Emory, VA, class of 74, where he was a proud member of Sigma Iota Fraternity and met the love of his life, Meg Hathaway Retinger. In 1975, he began his professional career with The Travelers Group in Kingsport, TN, and shortly afterward relocated to Knoxville, TN, a place he quickly considered home. After 33 years, John retired from the Travelers’ Large Property Casualty Claims Division. He then immediately went to work at Great American Insurance Company as AVP of Fidelity Crime Department until his second retirement in 2018. He took great pride in his work, was a devoted and dedicated employee, and was well respected and loved by his work family. First and foremost, he loved spending time with his wife Meg and loved to travel, even though he was geographically challenged. He loved being G-Diddy to his 7 grandchildren and was always sure to share a good story and his goofy laugh. Some of his other passions included being a founding member of the Rough Creek Hunt Club where he enjoyed spending time and swapping lies with fellow hunt club members. He had passions for hunting, fishing, cooking, and shooting. He was a long-time member of the Oak Ridge Sportsmen’s Association where he participated in competitive skeet shooting. John enjoyed collecting coins, working in his yard, University of Tennessee sports, and spending time with neighbors and friends telling lots of stories, some of which may have been true. He is survived by his wife, Meg, of 47 years; son John “J” Charles Retinger, III (Larryn) of Knoxville, daughter Libby Retinger Phillips (Chris) of Denver, CO; grandchildren Mathis, Jack, and Ruthie Retinger of Knoxville and Tripp, Paxton, Rhett, and Henley Grace Phillips of Denver, CO; siblings Joyce Ann Hartness Hurt of Mechanicsville, VA and Ralph Edward Retinger of Columbus, MO; brother-in-law, Tom Hathaway (Myrna) of Canton, MI, sister in law, Michie Schrock of Chesapeake, VA; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces. He will also be remembered by members of the Rough Creek Hunt Club: Hugh Hartness, Jon Hartness, Larry Cadden, Jared Hartness, Sam Hartness, Austin Hartness, Steve Weast, and Dave Thomas; the Howell family, and many more friends and neighbors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Amachi Knoxville, ETCH, Meals on Wheels, Journey Point Church of Denver, CO or an organization of your choice. A Celebration of Life will take place at 12 p.m. Saturday, September 10, at Shoreline Church, 9635 Westland Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922. Son in law, Chris Phillips of Journey Point Church, Denver, CO will officiate. Receiving of friends will immediately follow the service. Interment will be held at Rough Creek Cemetery, Phenix, VA at a later date. Arrangements by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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John Charles Retinger Jr.

April 4, 1952 - August 14, 2022