John Francis Hennen

to all hennen family sorry to hear of your loss john was a fine family man god bless danny kovacevich

I met Johnny in the 1980s at regional racquetball tournaments. He was a person I wanted to pattern my racquetball game after. I will always remember one of his sayings on the racquetball court. If there was a hinder involved and the point had to be played over, and he won the point, he would always say "God's will." I knew he had to be a religious person. I heard of his health issue with his kidney's in the 1990s, and he has been on my prayer list to this day.I will look forward to seeing Johnny again one day in Heaven. Bob Huskey, Opelika, Alabama

I first met Johnny in 1974 when I went to work at Yesterday's as a 19 year old college student. Everyone looked up to Johnny. He led by example and his strong work ethic. There was no job too menial for him and the paychecks were always on time. Johnny had a quick, sarcastic wit and did not suffer fools. He was a force of nature.
Over the next three years I got to know him on the racquetball court as well. We traveled together to some tournaments. He was the same Johnny we saw at Yesterday's, even when interacting with the heavyweights in racquetball. Not only was he a gifted athelete, but he had an indomitable will to win. He was a gentleman and a good sport. He was also always very encouraging to people with much less ability, like me.
Although we went our separate ways over the years, I was always happy to see his smile, hear his laugh, and enjoy his barbs, especially when they were directed at someone besides me. Johnny loved his country and his family.
The world is a poorer place without John Francis Hennen and I will miss him.

I first met Johnny in the 1970's when I worked the lunch shift at Yesterday's. He was one of the fairest - and funniest - bosses I've ever had. And that is still true today. Decades later, I taught his children at Notre Dame and Johnny got such a kick out of hearing stories about his kids. My thoughts and prayers are with his children, and with Teresa, and all of the Hennen clan. I know he will be missed very, very much.

We called him Racehorse. At Auburn, Coach Nix always had us running short sprints and long runs--and, trailing Johnny I was dog-cussing him. That boy could run without stopping. I love him like a brother--my wife and I will so sorely miss him.

Johnny, after knowing you for about 40 years, we can hardly believe you are not with us anymore. You were such a strong and amazing athlete, we really thought you would beat those nasty diseases (again). Whenever I saw you, even before you greeted us, I would start laughing. Judi said I giggled like I had a crush on you. Among your many gifts, you had the ability to make us feel like we were the most important people in the room. Bigger than life, you seemed to suck all the air out, and we couldn't possibly focus on anyone but you. We'll miss you, but, thank goodness you left lots of other Hennens to carry on your legacy. Rest in peace, your Highness, knowing that Chattanooga will be a bit quieter now.

May God bless and comfort Johnny's family at this time of great sorrow and pain. I know Johnny is at rest. Knew Johnny well in our younger days at Auburn and am very proud to say he was a friend of mine. Auburn baseball 67-68

"My condolences to the Hennen family"

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time.

Teresa ~ My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and the Hennen family during this most difficult time.
Eternal rest grant unto Johnny , O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Our heartfelt condolences to the Hennen Family.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hennen family during this time of loss. I have many great memories of working at Yesterday's and the Friday Christmas parties. I will always consider Johnny my first boss (and Mike). Thanks for giving me my initial waitressing experience. I love you all. Terri Worley Mcdowell (Bump)

All of our love and prayers are with you and your wonderful family!
Love, Russ, Sherry, John and Michael Ferguson

It was an honor to have Johnny as a classmate for 12 years. Fun loving and spirited and a good example for how to live. Prayers to the family and for all who loved him. His memory will remain in our hearts.

Our love and prayers for the family. Loved Johnny. May he rest in peace and the perpetual light shine upon him. Jeri & Larry McInturff

Keeping the Hennen family in our prayers. Frank and Wynnette Fryer-AU1966

Our prayers are with you all. Al & Sharon Henry (Ooltewah,Tn)

I'm so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing John and I played baseball at Auburn together and he was a great guy I was a little older than him but I really enjoyed being around him. My prayers and blessings are with his family and friends and I know this is something that is hard to except and again my prayers are with his family and friends God bless you all

To the Hennen Family, may his fond memories give you strength during this difficult time. After reading the obituary that so well captured Johnny's personality and demeanor, can you imagine his antics as a teammate on our Auburn Baseball Team! We love you Johnny, rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to the Hennen family. You are in my prayers.

Known Johnny all my life. Never have known a better or nicer guy. I'm so sorry that he is no longer with us. God bless you T.J. and your children. Marsha Conway Salter

I played him many times in the 70's and 80's and never won. A great player and good guy to share a cold one.

My condolences and prayers to Teresa, Andrew, and the rest of the children. Have known all of you through OLPH and Bones restaurant.
Karen West, Amanda's Mom

Thoughts and prayers are with the Hennen Family. Jim & Jean Royer (Vicky Fox sister & brother - in - law)

Going to miss Johnny. Classy guy. Always friendly kind and caring heart. The Hennen family epitomised the strong family support that we grew up with. God bless your soul

I knew Johnny in high school and have fond memories of times spent with him and his Notre Dame crew. Prayers for Johnny, his family, his friends, and all those lives touched positively by his.

My deepest sympathy to the Hennen family. Johnny was such a wonderful, thoughtful person. He had a smile that lit up a room as soon as he walked in. I don't think he ever met a stranger. I have a lot of fond memories of him over the years and feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers for the family. God Bless.

My sympathy to the Hennen family. I very much admired Johnny for numerous reasons, one of which I will share. Two years ago, the Challenge Golf Association held its first Member-Guest at WindStone. I didn't have far to go to choose a caterer. Johnny's restaurant was not far away. He served an excellent barbecue lunch. But when it came time to pay the bill, Johnny refused to bill us. And as always, he was gracious and funny. I had the privilege of writing a couple of columns about him when he won the national racquetball tournaments. I consider myself a friend of all the Hennens and feel very privileged to be so.

Thoughts and prayers for the Hennen family from the Lombardo and Narramore families.

I am sad to say I only knew Johnny thru the times he played racquetball in our Court South Cubs in Atlanta and Knoxville in the late 70's and 80's....but in those few moments of his life he was a great competitor on the court and a greater person off the court. You did well Johnny, Good job.

Fun, handsome, athletic, those are first impressions from meeting Johnny in high school. Who of his female classmates didn't have a crush on him? He will be missed by his family,his close circle of friends and all of us lucky enough to have known him. Heartfelt sympathy to TJ and children.

Mary M Heywood Pace
NDHS 1964

Beautiful obituary for a beautiful life lived to the fullest! Johnny would have loved it. My sympathies to you all

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Gone but will never be forgotten!!!!!!!!!

So very sorry to hear about Johnny. Along with so many others, I will remember him fondly.

I knew Johnny from the Sports Barn years ago and fondly remember playing racquetball with him. As he entered the court, many times he would good-naturedly point to his opponent and say to those watching, "You want him for a dollar?" A great guy. The obituary is spot on of the Johnny Hennen I remember. I will always have fond memories of him.

My condolences to the family.

John Hennen had his hands on my butt more than anyone, but before you let your imagination run with that statement let me state that he was my quarterback and I was his center at NDHS in the 1962 season. He was a competitor and a leader 50 years ago, traits that continued his whole life. See you in our next huddle old friend. Dan Casey

The Hennen family,and the Repici families have been entwined together since our early childhood days,beginning with our dads,Bud Hennen and Don Repici,Then trickling down to us kids.We all went to school together,and Johnny was such a wonderful,fun loving friend.Many wonderfulmemories shared.We will miss you sweet friend. Donna Repici Martin and Paul

The Hennen family has been a part of my life since Kindergarten! Love them all. Johnny will be missed but never forgotten.