Joe Delaney Schenk

Joe Delaney Schenk, 77, of Tiptonville, Tennessee died on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Union City, Tennessee.
Born Thursday, August 21, 1947, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Joe Schenk and the late Sue Frances Delaney Schenk.
Joe was raised in the Mooring community before moving to Tiptonville. He was a proud 1966 graduate of Lake County High School. Joe's love for music began early-at the age of three-when he first sat down at a piano. Though he was told by a teacher he'd never become a pianist, Joe defied expectations, teaching himself to play entirely by ear. He never read music but played with heart, soul, and remarkable natural talent.
Following high school, Joe worked various jobs and served his country with pride as a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard. In 1987, his musical journey took a turn when he began playing piano for rock-and-roll legend Carl Perkins. Over the next twelve years, Joe traveled the world as part of the Carl Perkins Band, embracing rock, rockabilly, and jazz, and performing alongside some of music's most iconic names, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Roy Orbison, Van Morrison, Boy George, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Judds, and Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats.
One of Joe's most cherished memories was a visit to the home of George Harrison, who graciously welcomed the band to his estate in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England.
After Carl Perkins' passing, Joe returned to his roots in Tiptonville, dedicating himself once again to farming. While he occasionally played local gigs, it was the land, the community, and the simple joys of home that brought him the most peace. He found beauty in the customs and cultures he experienced on the road, but none compared to the home he loved in Lake County.
Joe was a committed public servant and active community member. He served on the Lake County Commission for twelve years, was a dedicated member of both the Tiptonville Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club, and was a proud Shriner and member of Masonic Lodge #184.
Outside of music and service, Joe was a passionate LSU sports fan and an avid collector of toy tractors-a nod to his lifelong love for the land and farming. He will be remembered for his talent, humility, heart, love for his community and the people's lives that he touched.
Funeral services for Mr. Schenk will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Officiating this service will be Rev. Chip Davis. Interment will follow in New Haven Cemetery in Ridgely, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Linda Ann Hyde Schenk of Tiptonville, Tennessee; stepson, Blake Bondurant (Laura Moore) of Sturgis, Kentucky, sister, Candace Schenk George of Cordova, Tennessee; one nephew, Walter George of Cordova, Tennessee and he was "Big Daddy" to his three grandchildren, Lane Schenk, C.J. Martin, and Jase Mays.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Delaney Schenk, and one daughter, Sybil Schenk.
Honoring Mr. Schenk as pallbearers will be Tolar Flowers, James Hyde, David Tate, Renell Swift, Allen Martin, Jim Hyde, Jereme Hubble, Chase Baglan and Richard Roberson. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackie Flowers, Stan Perkins, Joe Boy Marvin, Marty Vaughn, David Mooring, Trent Patterson, and Scotty Johnson.
Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joe Delaney Schenk.
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