John Kenneth Olinger, 82, of Long Island, AL, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 4.
He was born August 30, 1942, John was a dedicated deacon of Pine Grove Baptist Church, New Hope, TN, and lifelong resident of the Long Island community.
He retired as a construction superintendent from T.U. Parks Construction Company of Chattanooga, TN, where he enjoyed a long and successful career. Recently when asked what he took pride in most during his career, he stated seeing the finished project and the satisfaction of a job well done, with the house he built for his family being at the top of the list.
For 22 years he enjoyed a long retirement spending time with his family, traveling and camping with Hilda and friends and working with his cattle.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Ann Blevins Olinger; parents, Kelly Lee Olinger and Alice R. Olinger; grandparents, John and Josie Pemberton and Benjamin and Nannie Olinger; sister, Joyce Gossett and brother, James (Jamie) Olinger and step-grandson Michael Moore.
Survivors include his children, Kimberly Olinger (Quinton) Choate, Kenny (Kim) Olinger, Robbie (Lisa) Olinger; grandchildren, Emily (Jacob) Frady, Caleb (Lisa Shae) Choate, Kendal Olinger (Alec) Robbins, Jonathon (Jordan) Olinger, Lauren Olinger, Will Olinger, Joshua Olinger; seven great-grandchildren, Lucy Ann, Millie Kate, Quinn Frady, Colter Choate, Aria Robbins, Judson and Linkin Olinger; step-grandchildren, Scott Moore, Toni Moore Marenic; step great-grandchildren, Gavin and Garrett Marenic; sisters, Hazel Bryant and Jessie Lee Smith; sisters-in-law, Doris King and Yvonne Olinger.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 7, at 11:30 a.m. in the South Pittsburg Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Patrick Nelson and Jacob Frady officiating. Interment will be held at New Hope Cemetery in New Hope.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service in the chapel.
Pallbearers will be Caleb Choate, Jonathon Olinger, Will Olinger, Joshua Olinger, Keith King, Tracy Smith and Curtis Blevins. Honorary Pallbearer will be Doug Powers.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the New Hope Cemetery Fund, 215 Pine Grove Road, New Hope, TN 37380.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Ave, South Pittsburg, Tennessee (423) 837-7176.
The Marion Tribune – March 13, 2025
