John Davis Borders

John Davis Borders (“JD”, “Punk”, “Dad” and “Granddaddy”) 90, of Cleveland, TN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on September 19, 1927, in Clinchburg, Virginia, to his parents, John B. and Fannie Borders. The family relocated to Saltville, VIrginia where he spent his childhood and young adulthood. John grew up as the 4th of 12 children. In 1946, he married Gracie L. Roberts, also of Saltville, VIrginia and had six children. John served in World War II in 1946 and later in the Korean War in 1950 as a Technician 5th grade (T5) in the Army. He returned home in 1951 where he worked for Olin Matheson Company in Saltville. He was transferred and relocated to Olin Chemicals in Charleston, Tennessee in 1962 as a Mechanic and eventually was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor where he retired after 35 years. During his retirement years, he enjoyed fishing, helping with a friend’s farming, supporting the Cleveland Blue Raiders and the Florida Gators, and spending time with his family. He was best known for his unique quotes, vocabulary, and fish tales. He also enjoyed having breakfast at Golden Corral every Sunday morning with his group of friends who affectionately called him “Gator Man”. He was of the Christian faith.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Gracie Roberts, his parents, John and Fannie Borders, his brothers, Charlie, Earl, Jim, and Fred Borders and his sister, Ruth Poston, as well as Gary Curtis, his son-in-law, Sue Borders, his daughter-in-law and Barbara Borders, his sister-in-law.

John is survived by his six children: Patsy Curtis, Kathy (Burch) Bishop, Johnny (Robin) Borders, Ron (Peggy) Borders, Lisa Borders, and Bo (Aimee) Borders. His grandchildren, Kelly (Eddie) Harris, Michele Boucher, Greg “Tody” (Andrea) Bishop, Scott (Michelle) Curtis, Buck Borders, Katie (Trent) Bishop, Jeff Borders, Brian Borders, Carson Gorham and Cooper Borders. His great-grandchildren, Doug Boucher III, Madison Boucher, Elijah Harris, Grayson Harris, Andrew Curtis, Sam Curtis, Stella Borders, Allison Bishop and Gregory Bishop. His siblings, Jack, Dee (Peggy), Bobby (Debbie ) Borders, Betty (Bobby) Kestner, Shirley Smith, and Sissy (Carl) Haynes. He has several nieces and nephews.

At John’s request, no public service will be held; however, the family will receive visitors at Companion Funeral Home on Saturday November 18, 2017 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.