EZRA MALACHI McGLOTHIN

McGLOTHIN, EZRA MALACHI (PAT) - age 93, of Knoxville, passed away Friday, October 24, 2014. Pat grew up in the John Sevier Community and later graduated from Central High School. He attended the University of Tennessee and played on the baseball team for two seasons, after which he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. Pat's signature baseball accomplishment was a game in 1944 with the Corpus Christi All-Stars. He pitched a 19 inning complete game, facing Ted Williams seven at bats with no hits surrendered and three strike outs. Pat went on to drive in the winning run. He rose through the minor leagues, culminating in two seasons as a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949 and 1950. Pat was on the 1949 Dodger team that faced the New York Yankees in the World Series and was one of the last surviving players from that historic baseball era. After his playing days ended Pat served as manager of the Knoxville Smokies for one season and then began his career in the insurance industry. As president and owner of Mutual Insurance Agency in Knoxville for over 60 years, Pat was a well-known and respected member of the community, officially retiring from work at age 90. Pat was a member of First Baptist Church of Knoxville for over half a century, serving as deacon and longtime greeter at the front door before Sunday services. He also faithfully attended Burlington Masonic Lodge and Downtown Optimist Club for many decades. Later in life Pat received several recognitions for his athletic prowess including the Mobile Bears Hall of Fame, Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame, and Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Fame. Pat maintained a keen mind until the very end in spite of physical limitations and was constantly engaged in the financial markets, sports, and his family. Affectionately known as Daddy Pat to his grandchildren, Pat was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, community servant, and man of faith. He taught his family and friends what it meant to be a lifelong servant to others, showing Christ's love and a deep sense of humility to everyone he met. Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Ezra Malachi Sr. and Bessie (Gouge) McGlothin; three brothers, Elmer, Kenneth, and Paul McGlothin; and two sisters, Anne Lovelace and Frankie Watson. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Lindsay McGlothin (Dot); one son, Steve McGlothin and his wife Carol; a daughter, Suzan Dewine, two grandsons, Patrick McGlothin, Kevin McGlothin and his wife Jenny; two granddaughters, Kristin Finck and her husband Adam, Kim Dewine and her fiancé Kevin Lawrence. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2014, 5:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Knoxville, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, with the Rev. Dave Ward and Dr. Tom Ogburn officiating. A visitation for friends will follow the funeral services at the church. Private interment will be at Highland Memorial Park with Patrick and Kevin McGlothin, Adam Finck and Kevin Lawrence serving as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Knoxville, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, TN. 37902. These funeral arrangements are under the care of Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com