Dr. Aaron Means

Knoxville, TN

Dr. Aaron Means, 95, of Knoxville Tennessee, died, July 28, 2017.

As the eldest son of Horace Means and Daisy Passmore Means, he was born in Zebulon GA, February 21, 1922. He was raised in Knoxville, TN where he married his college sweetheart, Dorothy Stephens. They were blessed with two children: Aaron Jr. and Leonard.

After graduating from Austin HS, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Knoxville College, and a Master of Science and Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Tennessee. He also served in the United States Army during World War II, where he received the WWII Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, AP Theater Ribbon, a Bronze Service Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and a Bronze Star.

Dr. Means served as a Captain in Knoxville's first black uniformed fire company that was established in 1952. It was in the No.4 Fire Hall that was located on Clinch Avenue. After having served for 11 years as a teacher at Vine Junior High School, he was promoted to the position of Principal at Park Junior High School. He was later promoted to Knoxville City Schools Central Office, where he retired as the Director of Federal Programs.

An avid Amateur Radio enthusiast, earning the Extra Class License in 2007, He was responsible for introducing the hobby to many black students in the area who went on to have successful careers in the field of electronics and related areas. Dr. Means was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

In addition to his parents Dr. Means was preceded in death by his former wife, Dorothy S. Means; sister, Mrs. Odessa Buchanan, and brother Horace Means Jr.

He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Loette McClellan of Atlanta, GA, two children Aaron and Leonard, three grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Interment was at 2:00pm Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Veteran's Cemetery, with full Military Honors; located at 2200 East Gov. John Sevier Highway.

Because of my father's love for his community, in lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made in his name to the Beck Cultural Center at http://www.beckcenter.net

Arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY

www.jarnigansmortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel on Aug. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Aaron Means

Sponsored by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.

9 Entries

Kim and John Chandler

August 10, 2017

Dr. Means was truly a phenomenal person.. I know he will be greatly missed. We are praying for the family during this time of bereavement. I pray that comfort is found and cherish the rich legacy that Dr. Means has given to students that will be passed on for generations to come. The Chandler Family

Patrick & Faye Thompson

August 8, 2017

Remembering Dr. Means from Park Jr...he was the walking tall....

Condolences to the family.

Geraldine (Gadden) Stanford

August 8, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the entire Means family. Mr. Means was one of my favorite people in the field of Education. He was always encouraging and full of wisdom. He had a wonderful full life. May God bless you all.

Anthony (Tony) Waters

August 7, 2017

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

By Lamaretta Simmons

Helen Waters & Family

August 7, 2017

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Debra Agnew and Family

August 4, 2017

Our condolences to the family. Dr. Means led a very accomplished life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Anna Justice-Clark

August 3, 2017

I had the pleasure of being a student at Park Jr when Dr. Means was there, what a wonderful man. My prayers are with his family.

Marvin K<emp

August 3, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Reverend Jacqueline I Olebe

August 3, 2017

To the Dr.Aron Means Family; Please accept my sincere condolence Dr. Means was a great educator and greatly loved by many. May God grant you peace and comfort you during this difficult time . God Bless the Family.

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