Jack Lanius Looney, 85, passed away on February 7, 2023. Mr. Looney was born May 26, 1937, in Oneida, TN, and moved with his family to Crossville in 1945. He attended Homestead Elementary and graduated from Cumberland County High School in 1955. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Animal Science and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He began his career in his father’s footsteps by becoming an Agricultural Extension Agent in Washington County, TN. Afterward, he accepted a job with Dobson Hicks Seed Company in Nashville, TN where he worked as both a salesman and a sales manager. It was there that he met his wife, Shirley Watson Looney. Following a brief move to Atlanta, GA, he returned to Crossville, TN where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Although he tried his hand at several careers, all that knew him would call him a farmer. His sweet corn was legendary & his roadside vegetable stand was frequented by Senator Anna Belle Clement Obrien. In his later years, he turned his garden over to his Great Nephew Tyler Looney and they enjoyed great success. His partnership with his brother Tome in the Chi-Angus business was equally impressive as they frequently gained recognition for their accomplishments.
He had a number of personal interests, not the least of which was dancing as he had taught square dancing in his youth. He was a prolific photographer and left a mountain of photos as evidence of that passion. He was a faithful member of Crossville First United Methodist Church and a member of the Choir for decades. In his later years, he joined his sister, Anne Looney Cook, on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Australia to visit his son, Guy & family. He was a devoted father and loved his grandchildren.
Mr. Looney was preceded in death by his parents C. Evans and Ruth Lanius Looney, wife Shirley W. Looney, and sister Anne Looney Cook. He is survived by brother Tom Looney and his wife Ann K. Looney of Crossville; his son Guy H. Looney and wife Lorraine of Gallatin, TN; and three grandchildren Clay, Michael, and Sam also of Gallatin, TN. He loved his nephews and nieces dearly.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Crossville First United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 19th at 2 PM.
Memorials are encouraged to Relay for Life; Tennessee 4-H Foundation; Crossville First United Methodist Church.