Jack Hammontree Obituary

Jack Alan Hammontree

Born: October 19, 1941 | Died: July 6, 2025

Jack Alan Hammontree, age 83, passed away peacefully in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 6, 2025. Jack was born October 19, 1941 in Lenoir City, Tennessee to Guy and Mattie (Plemons) Hammontree.

Jack's early school years were spent in Loudon County (Greenback & Lenoir City) and he graduated high school from Lenoir City High School in 1959. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1963 with a degree in accounting and many great memories of fun and friendship in Cookeville. In 1980, Jack graduated from the University of Oklahoma Industrial Development Institute. He was further named a Certified Industrial (Economic) Developer Emeritus.

Beginning in 1963, Jack's professional career spanned over 50 years in Industrial Development. He recruited and welcomed companies to the states of Tennessee and Alabama, serving and traveling the United States and the world to promote life and business in these states and across the Southeast. Jack served as CEO of the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency, President of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and CEO of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority. He also served the state of Alabama as a member of the Governor's Cabinet (Gov. Guy Hunt) and as Commissioner and CEO of the Alabama Development Office. Jack was also a Vice President with Baker Industrial Realty Company. He concluded his career as the CEO of ICON Industrial Development Services in Knoxville, a firm he founded in his retirement.

Jack served as a Board Member of the Knoxville Better Business Bureau, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Valley Fair, Athens TN Chamber of Commerce, Etowah Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Loudon County, First Central Bank of TN and the Southern Industrial Development Council.

Additionally, Jack served as a member of the University of Tennessee Chancellor's Associates, the Knoxville Civitan Club, Athens TN Kiwanis Club, Knoxville Metro Drug Prevention Coalition, the International Economic Development Council, U.S. Department of Commerce (TN & AL) District Export Council,and the Japan/American Society of TN. Jack and his wife Lynda served together as Governors' Delegates of Tennessee and Alabama, to Korea, Canada, Japan and Poland. Jack was named an Aide-de-camp by 3 different Tennessee Governors.

Jack met and married the love of his life, Lynda Ray Hammontree, in 1972. They were married for 36 years before her untimely passing. Jack was a stepfather (but they've always just called him DAD) to twins, Thad and Evan Pardue. He enjoyed travel, UT sports, politics, the theater (especially Broadway in NYC) and life in Knoxville with his family & friends, for decades. Jack will also be remembered for his sharp humor, political savvy, and numerous collections of ties, coins, campaign pins and art/jewelry from around the world.

Jack, affectionately known as 'Gipper' to his 4 grandsons, lived a full life of service to his church & faith, his family, and his community. He gave generously of his time and financially in all of these areas and nurtured friendships that enriched his life fully.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Lynda Ray Hammontree (formerly of Kingsport, TN); his parents Guy and Mattie (Plemons) Hammontree; and sister Patsy Hammontree. He is survived by sons Thad (Margaret) Pardue and Evan (Karen) Pardue, and grandsons Dawson, Harper, Deklan and Asher Pardue.

A Memorial Service Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9th at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lenoir City, TN at 1:00 p.m., with a reception at the church immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Jack to Trinity United Methodist Church (PO Box 606, Lenoir City TN 37771) or to a church or charity of your choosing.

Click Funeral Home, Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements. clickfuneralhome.com.