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John Fain Obituary
Memphis, TN
John N. Fain August 18, 1934-September 3, 2016. After battling cancer. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Duff Fain; his children Margaret (William Liger), Jack (Jennifer), and Jim (Tammy); six grandchildren, Randi Wiliams, August Walker, Ben Fain, Allison Garrihy, Nick Liger, Annika Liger, and four great grandchildren; sister Mary Harding; brother George Fain; and eight nieces and nephews. John was born in Jefferson City, TN, August 18, 1934 to Samuel Clark Fain and Virginia Hunt Fain. He graduated magma cum laude from Carson Newman College in 1956 and received his PhD in Biochemistry from Emory University. After 20 years as a tenured professor at Brown University, Providence RI, he returned to Tennessee as the Van Vleet Professor of Biochemistry at UT Memphis Medical School from 1985 to 2000, finally retiring in 2013. In addition to his prolific research in biochemistry, he had a deep love of Tennessee history, publishing an edited volume of an ancestors diary with the University of Tennessee Press.
John loved spending time with his extended family, traveling, reading, gardening, and "projects." A life-long Presbyterian, he served in a variety of capacities in his churches, including serving as a delegate to the General Assembly.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 10 at Idlewild Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am, visitation from 10:30 am, reception following in the T.K. Young room.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Idlewild Presbyterian Church or Carson Newman University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brad Clifton
September 11, 2016
I was privileged to know Dr. Fain since growing up in the Barrington Presbyterian Church where he was a founding member. His infectious can-do spirit convinced me that I could become an Eagle Scout, even though I joined scouting late. He understood the value of investing time in the next generation. We could not match his remarkable gifts and talents, but he was a role model for many of us, going out of his way to teach us of nature and helping us train for week-long scouting adventures. How else would we have learned wild asparagus grow on the banks of the Barrington River?!
I also have many fond memories of family holiday gatherings hosted by John and Ann. In the back of my mind, I still hear his voice in a fun after dinner game of Masterpiece, bidding "half a million!" for a favorite painting.
September 8, 2016
We miss our dinner talks! God bless you all!
Vanita, Jim, Laura & Paige
Sunset on Barrington River - view from Massasoit Village Beach
Kathleen Geezil
September 8, 2016
From 1978 until 1985 when John retired from Brown University and move back to Tennessee, we were privileged to have had John, Ann and their children as neighbors on our street in the Massasoit Village Beach Association of Barrington, RI.
They are remembered as kind, generous, and loved by all in our neighborhood.
We extend our sympathy to his family.
Kathy and Mike Geezil
12 Plymouth Drive
Barrington RI 02806
Margaret Ellen Mayo Tolbert, Ph.D.
September 7, 2016
The sad news of the passing of Dr. John N. Fain caught me by surprise. He was my major professor and mentor during my graduate years at Brown University. Although I graduated from Brown University in 1974, Dr. Fain and I have kept in contact. His professional guidance and friendship will be treasured always.
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Morris Birnbaum
September 5, 2016
John was my PhD mentor at Brown University and his enthusiasm for science had a lasting impression on me that still influences much of my professional life. His unique ability to assimilate and process vast quantities of data was only superseded by the advent of computers. Moreover, his deep belief in the truth and beauty revealed by scientific experimentation serves as an inspiration to all who came into contact with John. I feel privileged to have had John not only as an important teacher but also a lifelong friend.
Alice Pryor
September 5, 2016
John was my longest/oldest friend. We were in the nursery together at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City 80 some odd years ago. Then, we went all the way through school together - including Carson-Newman University - then he went on to Emory and I got married !!! He was a dear, dear friend and I will miss him. My deepest sympathy to Ann and his family. John was a real WINNER all his life. Alice Sutherland Pryor
Linds Gass
September 4, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of John's death. I became reacquainted with him a few years back when he visited Jefferson City and Carson Newman University. I knew him during his Jefferson City years. His knowledge of local history was amazing. Prayers for comfort and peace for Ann and all the family. Linda Talley Gass, Carson Newman Archives. Jefferson City, TN
Carol Harding-Stankus
September 4, 2016
I use to love to hear my Uncle John tell stories about our family and all the interesting facts he would find out about our ancestors. He was a kind and generous man and I will miss hearing his voice and hearing about all his adventures in the emails he would send out. I love you Uncle John and I know you are flying high in heaven now meeting all the family you researched and talked about!!
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