Joseph Myers

Joseph Jackson Myers, age 86, of Farragut, TN, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at home, surrounded by the family who deeply loved him and whom he loved deeply. He fought a courageous battle with pneumonia for the second time in four months. Just as he exercised every day throughout his life, he fought with all his might during those final months while enduring constant pain.

Joseph, known as "Joe" to friends and "Jack" to his 9 siblings and dozens of nieces and nephews, was born on December 18, 1938, in Powell, TN, to Arthur Clifford and Cora Ellen Myers. He was a devoted husband, father, Opa, brother, and friend. He was widely known for his strength, humility, tireless work ethic, and devotion to his family. A man of deep faith, Joe spent his life putting others before himself.

After graduating from Powell High School in 1957, he joined the U.S. Army at age 17. While stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany, he met the love of his life, Elisabeth ("Lissy") Traub, who would become his wife of 66 years. Together they built a family grounded in love, service, and resilience.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Joe began a long career at Rohm and Haas (now Dow Chemical) in Knoxville. He briefly considered re-enlisting as an officer candidate but ultimately felt called to civilian leadership. His commitment to fairness and collaboration led to his election as President of the Local Union. He was featured in a full-page article in the Knoxville News Sentinel, where his ability to bring employees and management together was highlighted as a model of mutual respect and partnership. Anyone who worked at Rohm and Haas during those years remembers Joe Myers as a steady and trusted leader.

Following his retirement, Joe and Lissy dedicated themselves to serving others through their work with the Knoxville FISH Pantry, helping to provide groceries to more than 7,000 families each month. They also helped establish the Kids BOOST food bag program, which continues to distribute over 600 bags each month to children in need.

What mattered most to Joe was his family. He was a devoted husband to Lissy and a proud father to their two sons. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Myers. Some of his favorite memories were going to Tennessee football games with his family and watching movies together at home. He led by example, showing his children the values of discipline, teamwork, and doing things the right way. He and Lissy also loved to travel and took many cruises with lifelong friends. At the encouragement of his sons, Joe joined a fitness club in 1984 and worked out every day for the next 40 years, right up until his illness in early 2025. In 1991, he earned his second-degree black belt in Taekwondo after recovering from a shattered ankle. Later in life, his daily gym visits with Lissy became a part of their routine and something they both looked forward to.

Joe was a lifelong fan of Tennessee sports and especially enjoyed following football, basketball, baseball, and Lady Vols basketball.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elisabeth (Lissy) Traub Myers; sons J. Robert Myers and Jeffrey Myers; daughter-in-law and devoted daughter, Jennifer Allen Myers; grandchildren Connor and Aidan Myers; sister Juanita Bishop; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

He will be remembered for his deep love of family, the respect he earned from others, and his unwavering generosity and strength.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the entire care team at Covenant Parkwest Hospital for their exceptional compassion, professionalism, and humanity during Joe's final hospital stay. A special thank you goes to Dr. Sudhir Patel for his deeply personal and genuine care, to the nurses who supported both Joe and the family without hesitation, and to Elena, the night nurse whose kindness brought peace during the quietest, hardest hours. The family also extends thanks to Roger from food services, whose presence and kindness were felt each day, and to the many others, nurses, aides, and hospital staff who never once made the family feel like a burden, despite a continuous 24/7 presence at his bedside for 18 straight days.

A special acknowledgment goes to Jennifer Myers, Joe's daughter in every sense of the word, who alternated spending nights in the hospital with Lissy and cared for him with quiet strength, love, and devotion. Her presence was a source of comfort and stability for the entire family.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a visitation on Thursday, August 7, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the service beginning at 7:00 PM at Click Funeral Home, 11915 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934. Casual attire is welcome. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team colors or military clothing in his honor.

A celebration of life will follow the visitation beginning at 7:00 PM.

The family welcomes either floral arrangements or a donation in his honor to the Knoxville FISH Pantry, a cause he cared deeply about.

Donations can be made to:

Knoxville FISH Pantry

https://www.fishpantries.org/