Name: Visitation for John H. Gebhart
Start: 2016-06-02T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-06-03T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Hibbett Hailey Funeral Home | Nashville Funeral Home

John H. Gebhart

Hermitage, TN

John H. Gebhart, 86, of Hermitage, TN, died on May 29, 2016 at home.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. June 2, 2016 at Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home in Donelson, TN. Interment will be at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Andrew Price Memorial UMC in July.

John was born in Lakeland, FL to Jennie and Elmer Gebhart on December 20, 1929. He married Evalyn Mary Huffman on June 17, 1956. He graduated from University of Miami, FL and received master's degrees from University of Illinois and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. John served during the Korean Conflict in the Army Signal Corps and worked as an electrical engineer with Western Electric Co. and the National Institutes of Health prior to entering the ministry as a United Methodist pastor. He served churches in Florida and Tennessee, and he served as a chaplain in the Tennessee prison system for several years.

John is remembered for his love for God and his family, his quiet wit, his love of learning and music, and his focus in ministry with the poor, hungry, imprisoned, displaced, and marginalized. John is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Gebhart, and is survived by his wife, children Sally (Andy) Pardue, Perry (Jane) Gebhart, Lucy Gebhart, Amy (Michael) Curtis, eight grandchildren, and four nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Andrew Price Memorial United Methodist Church or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tennessean on Jun. 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gebhart

Sponsored by Hibbett Hailey Funeral Home | Nashville Funeral Home.

14 Entries

David AND Carol Butler

July 13, 2016

We are David and Carol Butler of McKendree Village.

When John and Eva Gebhart came to McKendree, we were quickly attracted to them and not just because he and David were both retired ministers of the United Methodist Church. Then we shortly learned that they were friends of the Johnsons who were longtime colleagues of ours in Algeria and that the Bob Gebhart we barely knew in Switzerland and who was a close friend of the Johnsons was John's brother. And so the circle went from America to Algeria to Switzerland and France (where the Johnsons are now living in retirement).

I, David, had a special appreciation of John in the context of the McKendree singers. I always tried to sit next to him in the bass section. When we had really low notes, I could only sing very softly in a heavy breath, if at all. His voice then carried the day. When we had new and difficult music and I had doubts, I sang very softly and listened to him to see where I should be going.

John was also very deeply involved with the Donelson-Hermitage Ministerial Association and much appreciated there. He will indeed be missed and remembered by many for a number of reasons and many remaining here below will continue to carry something of his presence with them.

Deloris Coppin

June 10, 2016

I remember your Dad when he came to visit you and your family. Very interesting man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace,
Deloris

Koni Purscell

June 9, 2016

I remember John as a "grand ol' man" of Church and Community Ministry. His life was a blessing to many!

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Kenneth Carder

June 3, 2016

It was an honor to know and serve with John in the Tennessee Conference! He embodied grace and his commitment to "the least of these" is an inspirational model of faithful ministry!

Vickie Sigmon

June 2, 2016

I give thanks to God for Rev. John's faithful ministry. The world is a better place because of his presence. We served in ministry together through the United Methodist Church.

Rafael Ciordia

June 2, 2016

Deepest condolences to John's family and friends from the University of Miami Band of the Hour Association of Alumni and Friends.

June 2, 2016

Not knowing John personally, I know that his daughter Sally is a great testimony for him. To her and all the family, I offer my deep sympathy.
Edwin Griggs, Cookeville

Dave and Patty McIntyre

June 1, 2016

To Eva and family,
Patty joins me in extending our sympathy to each of you in the death of Bro. John. We remember him as a quiet saint whose love for those easily forgotten was a strong blessing and sign of the Divine in him. He served well, loved much and will be remembered with affection and respect.
Sincerely, Bro. Dave McIntyre

Rexine Pigg

June 1, 2016

Spending time with Bro. John at numerous training sessions/meetings was a real blessing. After only a few minutes in his presence you were totally convinced that he had a heart of gold and a sincere desire to serve our Lord. My sympathy is sent via this means to comfort your hearts.

Kim Troup

June 1, 2016

Worked with John for many years in prison ministry and criminal justice volunteerism. He was a very humble and dedicated man. His work will stand for many years.

My deepest sympathies to his family.

Rex McBEE

May 31, 2016

I met John when he was the Chaplain at the Prison at Turney Center, I worked as his aide for three years. My wife and I have kept in touch with his family over the years.

I would get a Christmas letter from John keeping us up on his activities and children over the years. John was a Navy Veteran and we would talk about Military pasts since I served in the Marines.

Greatful to John and Eva for the friendship over the years. RIP brother and thanks for all you have done in your years of service to God and Country.

May 30, 2016

Though I had only known John for a short time, it was obvious to me how devoted he was to his family and sharing God's love. He will be missed greatly by many, particularly by his wonderful children Amy, Lucy, Perry and Sally, his loving and lovely wife Eva, and his friends at McKendree Village. May God bless and comfort all who mourn.

Margaret Mason

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