Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Oglesby Obituary
Knoxville, TN
John "Eric" Oglesby, age 69, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, in Knoxville, TN. He retired after a distinguished military career flying Med-Evac helicopters in Vietnam and KC-135 Refueling Tankers in the TN Air National Guard, and from US Airways as commercial airline captain. He taught us what he believe - to appreciate what matters and to question what might not. Those who know him feel the loss of someone special.
Among the many who loved him and whom he loved were his wife of 30 years, Lisa Lillard Oglesby; his children, Rachel Oglesby Chiappetta and son-in-law, Chip Chiappetta (Nashville, TN), Connor Denton Oglesby (Houston, TX), Joy Forster Carver (Maryville, TN); his grandchildren, Lea and Charlie Chiappetta (Nashville); his sister, Glickse Neidert and brother-in-law, Robert Neidert (Providence Forge, VA); and last, but not least, his golden retriever, Sam. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, John Ellsworth and Leona O'Connor Oglesby, of Nashville, TN. The family extends a heartfelt appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Raintree Terrace, who provided a second loving home for Eric.
Never one for pomp and circumstance, friends and family will have an informal gathering Sunday, September 25th, at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel from 1:00-2:00 p.m., with a time of sharing stories at 2:00 p.m., where all are invited to share memories and celebrate his life. Following the sharing time, family and friends will gather at Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 2:45 p.m. graveside service with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with what Eric valued, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Doctors Without Borders. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Oglesby
Bob Neidert
January 18, 2024
Miss you.
Bob Neidert, Jr
Raul Regalado
September 17, 2019
Eric was a good friend during my first tour ('67-'68).
Patrick adcock
September 17, 2019
Rest in Peace, Brother. Salute.
James Londers
September 17, 2019
Served in Vietnam with John
Steve Ridenour
September 24, 2016
So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. Our hearts go out to Lisa, Connor and the family. We honor Eric for his service to our country and the family we consider friends. We wish you peace and comfort and God's blessings. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We send our love, Steve, Jill and Tanner
September 24, 2016
John "Eric" Oglesby was one of Our 190th AHC Spartan AC's. He flew with us during '67-'68 and will be Sadly Missed, Yet Always Remembered. I have added Eric to Our Called Before Us Page on Our website. Eric and Lisa will Forever be part of Our 190thAHC Family. Danney Pickard
Allen Boyd
September 24, 2016
Lisa, Richard Way and his wife came to Athens a month or so ago for a visit. Rich told me about Eric's problems and I am so sorry for your loss. I felt a close kinship with Eric as I know many others did. Pleas accept my deepest sympathy.
Philip Spencer
September 24, 2016
I can't speak of this great hero in past tense. He will always be with us. He is a leader in every sense of the word. At Columbus AFB, during pilot training, he was one of the best. Many fond and treasured memories.
September 24, 2016
You can ask me to do something, but Don't tell me how to do it!
E. Ogelsbyinner-marine modeon being micro-managed moving a ping-pong table circa 1998
I will remember Eric as a great man doing things his wayfly free good friend.
RJ Stribley
james mcmanamy
September 24, 2016
Eric was a wonderful Captain to fly with at US Airways. He was special.
September 23, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Lisa, and to your family. He was a good and kind man and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Paul Willson
September 23, 2016
It was a pleasure to serve with Eric. He was a man's man...
Harry Thayer
September 23, 2016
Lisa I am so sorry to hear about Eric. You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Colleen Fields
September 23, 2016
Condolences to family of Capt Eric Ogelesby, Eric was great aviator touched all who knew him. Piedmont Silver Eagles
Colleen Fields Fields
September 23, 2016
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew --
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Patti
September 23, 2016
So saddened to read this today.I had the privalige of caring for Eric at Raintree. Such a sweet soul.Prayers for Lisa and his family.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in John Oglesby's name
Memorial Events
for John Oglesby
Sep
25
Memorial Gathering
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Oglesby's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
