George P. Jaynes

1941 - 2022

JONESBOROUGH - George P. Jaynes passed away Thursday at the age of 80 following an extended illness.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, farmer, businessman, salesman, volunteer fireman, store owner and respected public official.

He is now home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member and trustee of New Salem Baptist Church in Limestone, where he cherished his Sunday school class and men's fellowship.

George was born July 28, 1941, in Limestone to the late Clarence and Daisy Jaynes. He attended Washington College graduating in 1960

In 1963, he married Sandra "Sandy" Fox of Limestone where they worked side by side on their tobacco and cattle farm. He also had a successful career selling new Chevrolets and then Fords in the 60s and later Buicks and Pontiacs.

He and his wife Sandy owned and operated Jaynes Market in downtown Limestone for 13 years with a fully functioning butcher shop and fresh produce and loyal customers from around the area.

His commitment to public service began in 1972 when he was elected county-wide to the Washington County Commission and continued with his election to County Executive/Mayor in 1986 where he served the residents of Washington County for a total of 38 years.

During his tenure, he worked with Governors, Senators, Congressmen, a host of state legislators, county, and city officials and 119 different County Commissioners, constantly looking for ways to help Washington County. He was a Republican and conservative but never let politics get in the way of getting things done. He was as a straight shooter that tried his best to treat everyone equally.

He strengthened relationships with Johnson City and Jonesborough and developed strong working groups with surrounding counties. Public Safety was a priority with relentless support for Fire, Police and Emergency Departments. In earlier years, George was a member of the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department.

As County Mayor, he was an active board member of the First Tennessee Development District Board, Alliance for Business and Training Board, First Tennessee Human Resource Agency, Mt. States Health Alliance Board, Tri-Cities Airport Board, the Washington County / Johnson City EMS Board and Washington County Emergency Communications District Board.

He helped create the Washington County Industrial Park, anchored by Bush Hog and large investments by Naketetsu Corporation and Koyo Corporation. He diligently worked on development of the new criminal justice center and was humbled when the building was named after him in 2009.

In 2010, he retired to the family cattle farm, and he continued to enjoy traveling to events across the state to spend time with and share ideas with a host of friends he had made over the years. From Mountain City to Memphis, he knew how to find the hidden backroads and the country restaurants. Nothing could keep him from fried catfish and white beans.

And throughout his time – he always loved helping people. It was the one thing he missed most.

Following his retirement, he was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Ethics Commission and to the East Tennessee State University Government Relations Advisory Council.

George was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Bea (Dallas) Jones; a brother: Marlin (Frances) Jaynes; a brother: Dallas (Dorothy) Jaynes; a sister: Agnes (Clifford) Jones; a sister: Lillian (Stanley) Curtis; and a sister: Argent (Jack) Arwood.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Sandy; a son and daughter-in-law: Patrick and Jill Jaynes of Knoxville; a son and daughter-in-law: Tim and Kellie Jaynes; two grandchildren: Grayson and Andrew of Limestone; sisters: Frances Davis of Limestone, and Hilda (Bob) Williams of Limestone; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family is forever grateful for the tremendous support of friends and neighbors and our loving church family.

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home of Jonesborough will handle arrangements beginning with visitation from 5-8 p.m. Monday. A memorial service will follow at 8 p.m. in Dillow-Taylor Chapel. Dr. Craig Ponder, the Rev. Garry Edwards and Joe Barker will officiate the service.

A graveside service will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, 421 Lester Snapp Rd, Limestone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 554 Frank Stanton Road, Limestone, 37681.

Condolences may be sent to the Jaynes family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.