Raeburn E. Tackett

TACKETT, RAEBURN E. - 67 years crossed over to his Heavenly rewards, November 11, 2006. He was born in Virgie, Kentucky and graduated from Virgie High School. He was a member of Smithwood Baptist Church. He was a Commissioned Kentucky Colonel by Paul E. Patton and Tennessee Colonel by Phil Bredesen, Governors of those states. He was active in the Knox County Democrat Party and surrounding counties of Sevier, Blount and Union. He served on numerous committees including: Better Roads for North Knox County, Officer for Knox County Elections in Halls Precinct for approximately 10 years, East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees, Southern Appalachia Volunteer Effort as Santa Claus for 10 years, in juvenile, elderly and business communities for approximately 20 years, Jerry Lewis Telethon for 28 years, financial committee for M.D.A., Citizen Police Academy, Chairman of Tennessee Chapter of American Cancer Society, Cerebral Palsy Center and Alzheimer's Association. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 34 years of service. After retirement he became an insurance agent. Employed part-time for 2 1/2 years at Pep Boys before his leave of absence due to diagnosis of bladder cancer which he fought for 3 years. He never met a stranger and his mission in life was to help his fellow man. He will be well remembered for his great friendly smile and sense of humor. He enjoyed travel and visiting new places. Many homeless animals became permanent pets at his residence. Preceded in death by: parents, Mable Newsome Tackett and Benny F. Tackett; son, Charles Stefan Tackett; and "nephew", Scott Beeler. Survivors: loving and devoted wife of 23 years, Barbara Hickman. Loving known as "Daddy Rae" by step-daughters, Cynthia Roback and Cheryl Hickman and "Pop" to his grandchildren, Nick and Jake Tackett and Rachael Roback; sister, Sue Sanders of Louisville, Kentucky; brother,: Don Tackett of Glenford, Ohio; special "brother"-in-law: Dwight Crick and sister-in-law, Derindia Crick; special nieces, Tina Widener and Landra Beeler; numerous nieces and nephews out of state. Special acknowledgment: Chris Myers, Brent and Tina Etherton and special neighbors and friends. No memorial service will be held at his request but a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date near the holidays. Special thanks to the Doctors and Staff at Tennessee Oncology, St. Mary's Hospital, Vanderbilt Cancer Research Center, Hope Lodge, Rural Metro, Caris Hospice staff and the friends and staff at N.H.C. Healthcare of Knoxville for wonderful support. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Cancer Society. Arrangements by Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City. www.mynattfh.com.