JL Millsaps
SWEETWATER - James Lloyd Millsaps “JL” age
70 of Sweetwater passed away Saturday, December
9, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. JL faithfully attended Old Sweetwater Baptist Church.
On August 23, 2020, JL stood in the presence of the congregation of the church and gave his testimony for all to hear. It became a matter of urgency for JL to ask others about their personal relationship with
Jesus Christ. He desired greatly for all of his friends and family to know the Lord and understand the importance of getting to know Him in that truly personal way. JL believed that he owed everything to the Lord, all honor, glory, and praise for His gift of grace and salvation. As a young man, JL was quite the athlete on the football field, being recognized as All County, All District, and All State and was a member of the 1969 AA State Champions under the direction of the late Coach Bert “Chig” Ratledge. In 2020, JL received special recognition and was inducted into the LHS Football Hall of Fame. JL was a 1971 graduate of Loudon High School and wants to see all of his coaches, teammates, and classmates in heaven. JL enjoyed a 41-year career with Loudon Utilities, retiring as a Superintendent in the Gas Department. JL had lots of lifelong friends from the following areas, mountain friends, Bat Creek, Old Fork Creek Church, Jackson’s Chapel, Vonore School, Jackson School, and Old Watson’s Chapel. He liked to ride horses in his spare time, but most of all he adored his blended family. JL is preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur and Anna Millsaps, Calvin and Betty Lawson; his sister, Betty Millsaps; and his wife, Mary Watson Millsaps. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Rita Davis; children, Josh and
Courtney Millsaps, Matt Millsaps, Andrew and Paytyn Millsaps, Derek and Rhonda Thompson, Rachel and Jamey Hawkins; grandchildren, Jake and Carlee Millsaps, Haydyn and Grayson Millsaps, and Bailey Thompson; parents, Lloyd and Lillie Millsaps; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Eddie Jenkins; uncles, Boyce Millsaps and Cobb Lawson; aunt, Ruby Williams; niece, Kelly Grun and nephew, Chad Jenkins; and numerous cousins. JL especially wanted to thank the Pryor and Janet Watson Family, the Robert “Snake” and Rosey Watson Family, the Aldia Watson Family, and Josh and Wasp Watson for their friendship and their many acts of kindness. Services to honor and remember JL will be held 7 PM Monday, December 11th in the Loudon High School Auditorium with Rev. Richard Lane, Rev. Danny Thornburg, Rev. Josh Croft, Rev. Lee Swaim and Rev. Russ Cooper officiating. Interment 11 AM Tuesday in the Cedar Valley Church Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers, Denny Cooper, Marvin Albright, Doug Montooth, Gary Norman, Blue Goodson, Ronnie Jenkins, Arthur Bright and Gene Wilcox; serving as pallbearers, Ronnie Starritt, Ronnie Summey, Donnie Self, Dwayne Hawk, Tim Nix, Bobby Brown, and Eddie Jenkins. Contributions in memory of JL may be made to the Building Fund, Old Sweetwater Baptist Church, 104 Old Sweetwater Church Road, Philadelphia, TN 37846. The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Monday prior to the service at the LHS Auditorium. JL leaves us with one final thought, “We own nothing from head to toe, or East to West, or North to South. It all belongs to Him.” McGill Click Funerals & Cremations, 1366 Highway 72 N, Loudon. mcgillclick.com