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BORN
1952
DIED
2020
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John Sullivan Obituary
Knoxville - Dr. John E. Sullivan, Jr., 68, a talented and professionally well-recognized Endodontist in Knoxville, died unexpectedly on November 24, 2020 after collapsing from severe hypoglycemia. John was born in January of 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, John ("Jack") and Corinne ("Boots") Sullivan, and by his beloved wife for over 38 years, Susie Glenn Sullivan who died on May 30, 2020. He is survived by his two sons, John ("Jack") Sullivan III, and Frank Sullivan. He has three grandchildren Harper, Gaddon, and Weston. John leaves behind two brothers, Thomas M. Sullivan and David M. Sullivan and a sister, Mary Daley, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
John graduated from the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1978 and began a successful dental practice in Memphis. In 1996, John and family moved to Chicago where he enrolled in the Northwestern University Dental School's Advanced Endodontics program and graduated in 1998. His many professional accomplishments included Fellowship in the International College of Dentists in 2000, and being selected as a member of the prestigious L.D. Pankey Institute. He practiced in Knoxville for nearly twenty years, and retired in March, 2020 when Susie became critically ill.
John was a talented woodworker who spent his spare time making handcrafted custom shelves, tables, and display cases. His attention to detail shown through by taking rough cut lumber and precisely milling it to make a fine crafted keepsake.
John's love of the outdoors began with family vacations to hike in the western Rocky Mountains and continued to the Boy Scouts where he earned the Eagle Scout rank. He was a passionate animal conservationist and a lifetime member of Safari Club International.
John reveled in helping Santa Claus during the holiday season by donning his Santa suit and making surprise visits to the families of friends and neighbors.
Mass followed by interment will be at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday December 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the St. Elizabeth Seton Guild.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sullivan
Sponsored by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann.
6 Entries
Dr. Linda Sommercorn
April 7, 2022
So sorry to hear about the passing of John and Susie. They were wonderful people and a lot of fun to be around. I was on the internet looking for John's office for someone I know in Tennessee and I was so saddened to see that he and Susie had passed. At Northwestern, I attended the same Endodontics Specialty program as John. Our dental units were right next to each other. John was always cracking jokes and making everybody laugh. My husband and I would get together with them on occasions in Chinatown or downtown Chicago to have dinner or Sunday brunch together. Susie was always so pleasant. They were just great people to be around and I will miss catching up with them at dental meetings. My deepest sympathy to Jack and Frank and their extended family. It's so hard to loose parents so young, especially both in the same year. They were such special people and I know they are in heaven. I Hope to see them again some day. Jack and Frank, if you ever visit the Chicago area, feel free to look us up in Libertyville. We can take you out for dinner and reminisce. I hope you two got your dad's sense of humor, because I am always up for a good laugh.
Beth Holden
September 5, 2021
So very sad to hear about John´s passing. I was his dental assistant from 1986 to 1996 in Memphis. He called me and asked me to come back and help him as he was preparing to go to Endo school and further his dental skills. I worked for him then from Jan. 1996 to May. He had sold his practice then and was heading to Chicago for Endo school for the next two years. We always kept in touch and whenever he was back in Memphis he would come visit with me. He called me on April last year and informed me of Susie´s cancer and only having 6 weeks to live. I was shocked and so saddened. We kept in touch during that time and he called me at the end of May and told me she had passed. I was so shocked to find out from another dentist I worked for in Memphis that he had suddenly died. God Bless you and Susie and I know you´re in Heaven enjoying hunting and seeing all your family and friends who have passed. See you again some day !!!
Philip
January 4, 2021
He was a kind and seeked adventure. I had the honor to help keep his computers working in his dental office for several years and it it made me sad when I heard of his passing. I enjoyed his company last at Halloween of 2020 . RIP Frined
Wendy Barcus
December 4, 2020
As Dr. Sullivan's Office Manager for the last nine years before his retirement, I was shocked and saddened by the news of his sudden passing. During our down time at work, John loved to share stories with his staff about his hunting adventures, days in Dental school and family trips. He always had pictures and videos to show us of his grandkids and beloved dog Chance, and loved to talk about his boys and Susie. My thoughts and prayers are with Frank and Jack as they have to navigate through this terrible loss so soon after losing their beautiful mother Susie in May. I always pray that people take their last breath while doing something that they love like golfing or fishing. Dr. Sullivan was an avid hunter and donut connoisseur ( he could tell you the best donuts between here and Memphis) and since he wasn't hunting, I can only hope that he had one last bite of a Pop's donut. I'll miss you.
Cindy Mire
December 3, 2020
John and Susie were just fabulous people. Very love and respected by anyone that met them. Rest In Peace
Dean and Cindy Mire
Wm David Campbell DDS
December 3, 2020
While I knew John professionally, he was my friend through woodworking. He was such a gentleman, unlike me. I shall miss him.
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