La-Vern Reedy Obituary

La-Vern Reedy was absent from his body and present with the Lord on October 5, 2023.

Surviving La-Vern are his loving wife of 68 years this December, Lois Hendrix Reedy, daughter-Melanie Johnson, son Walter Reedy (Lisa). Grandchildren Grayson Davis (Justin), Madison Reedy, Connor Reedy, Lisa Stapp (Chad), Amy DiVito (Erik). Nieces Mary Kay Hickman, Kathi Lami, and Sylvia Hall; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Preceding La-Vern in death were his parents, John L Sr. and Cinda Reedy, brothers Kenneth Reedy, Sr., and John Reedy, Jr. nephew Kenneth Reedy, Jr., beloved aunt and uncle 'Buck' and Edna Reedy.

La-Vern was welcomed to this world on March 25, 1934. At age 10, La-Vern was hit by a truck and pronounced dead 3 times. God had future plans for him and brought him through a long recovery. Most of his growing up years spent at Dixie Lee Junction west of Knoxville. He attended Farragut Elementary and graduated from Farragut High School, where he played baseball and basketball. He enjoyed playing all games that featured a ball, as well as their version of baseball, "corkball" which was played with a broomstick and cork.

From the accident and resulting necessary dental work, he formed a close relationship with his dentist and decided to enter the dental profession. He entered the University of TN in Knoxville in the Summer of 1952. He met Lois there in chemistry class. In 1954 he moved to Memphis and entered UT Dental School. Later that year he and Lois were engaged, and when she graduated from UT in 1955, they were married, They set up housekeeping in Memphis with Lois teaching school while La-Vern continued his dental studies. He received his DDS degree in 1957. While waiting for his military service to begin, La-Vern performed dental services for children in Bell County, KY. They then went to San Antonio, TX for his basic training, and as a Captain, he was assigned to the Ft. Sill dental unit in Lawton, OK where he helped ready men for military service. He also continued to enjoy his love of playing baseball and basketball, adding bowling and golf, which he had learned while at UT in Knoxville. Here in OK, he and Lois welcomed a beautiful daughter, Melanie, to the family in 1958.

Leaving OK after completing his military service, the family moved to Kingsport, TN where La-Vern opened his dental practice in Bloomingdale in December of 1959. He continued to enjoy playing baseball in the church league for several years. If it was a game played with a ball, he enjoyed it!

He especially loved his practice of dentistry and the patients that became like an extended family. After his retirement in 1999 he fondly remembered them and missed seeing them. He was able to continue playing golf and enjoyed many tournaments. He was able to score a hole-in-one more than 12 times through the years and was invited to play in a hole-in-one tournament in Orlando, FL.

Late in life, La-Vern went to Brookdale Senior Living where he was able to meet and talk with new folks. Being a people person, he was content with this new life. To quote Him when asked how he was doing he would say, "I have no complaints".

The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale as well as those of Gentiva hospice for the loving care he received.

La-Vern and Lois loved worship and fellowship with their church family at Heritage First Church of God and appreciate the loving concern of Pastor Steve Tilley and also of friend and Pastor Mark Stayton.

A military graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM in East Lawn Memorial Park.

East Lawn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.