Karnes, Dr. John Gardner, age 80, of Knoxville went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early in the morning of August 11, 2014 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, following a dignified and courageous battle with leukemia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Dr. Karnes completed his pre-pharmacy training at the University of Tennessee and graduated from the U.T. College of Pharmacy in 1955. He then began his practice of pharmacy at Karnes Drug Store on Cumberland Avenue in January 1956 where he practiced first with his father, then as owner from 1974 until selling the business in 1991. Dr. Karnes was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, serving for many years as a greeter, and a member of the Eagle Men's Sunday School Class. He was a dedicated volunteer with Mobile Meals and a pioneer of drug education in the Knox County School System through the Knoxville Police Department. He was an avid photographer and a fixture on the sidelines of U.T. football and basketball games for 30 years, chronicling countless legendary moments of the school's proud athletic tradition. In 1978, while working with head trainer Tim Kerin, he helped establish the first in-house state-licensed pharmacy in NCAA Division I Sports. This in-house pharmacy has enabled U.T.'s team physicians for both the Vols and Lady Vols to have consistent and reliable access to prescription medications for their student-athletes' needs and has become a model for universities nationwide. In 1997, the Letterman's T-Club named him an honorary University of Tennessee letterman, and in 2014 the University of Tennessee Sports Medicine Department dedicated the "Dr. John G. Karnes Pharmacy" in honor of his service to his beloved alma mater. Preceded in death by parents, John M. and Helen P. Karnes. Survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Mynatt Karnes; daughter, Kathy Karnes; sons, John M. Karnes and wife, Kathy, David M. Karnes and wife, Sharon, and William G. Karnes and wife, Kelley; grandchildren, David Wiley and wife, Carrie, Elizabeth Walker and husband, Brian, Anna Goins and husband, Jonathan, Kelsey Karnes, Ben Karnes, Robby Karnes, Tucker Karnes, and Kathleen Karnes; great-grandson Rylan Goins. Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 14, 2014 at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 from 5:00-7:00pm, a "Celebration of Life" service will follow at 7:00pm with Rev. Cesar Correa officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mobile Meals, P.O. Box 51650, Knoxville, TN 37950. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com
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March 28, 2015
Beulah Rule(Watlington)
Betty, I just now found out out about Johnny and I am so sorry. I cannot believe it has been such a long time since I made dress alike for you and Kathy when I was working at Karnes Drug Store. I think Kathy was about 3 years old at the time. My father died with the same disease many years ago and I am so very sorry that Johnny had to pass with that horrible disease. My love and prayers to you and your family. I live in Nebraska now so I am not up on all the news from back home.
August 29, 2014
Nancy McCarter
Betty and Children,
Sorry for the loss of John. He was a wonderful man and always supportive of whatever his family was doing. His love, friedship and guideance will live on with his family and friends. Bless you and your families.
August 21, 2014
Joe Brannum
What a wonderful man and example of what a kind, giving, hard working person we should all be. My brothers and I all worked in the Drug Store with Doc Karnes for years. He treated us like sons and would do anything for us and was always willing to help. He showed that same great caring and generosity for everyone that came into the store. My condolences to the family but it also gives me a good feeling to know that he is with my brothers and Nick Buchanan and many others he helped to guide during our college years. He will be missed here but is now walking hand in hand with some good folks in heaven.
August 16, 2014
Dwight Wade, MD
While I have not spoken with John in a few years, I fondly remember him for our professional relationship with him as I wrote or called in many prescriptions to him at Karnes Drug Store. Together, we determined we were third cousins via Lillie Link Wade, and had a chance to discuss and document family genealogy. He was very professional and quite popular among my patients and colleagues. We missed his presence in Knoxville after he ended his practice. My wife Jan and I send our sincere condolences to the family on this solemn occasion.
August 15, 2014
Gibson Smith
John would light up our offices at the Athletic Dept. by walking in. Long before that, as one of the car pool dads, he visited me bearing gifts when I was in the hospital at age 9, diagnosed with diabetes. One of the world's great people.
August 14, 2014
Susan Herndon
Kathy, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 14, 2014
Karen Hancock
Will and family, May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. The pictures are amazing and all of you are lucky to have such a witty and smart father and grandfather. I know that you will miss him terribly and family occasions will not quite be the same. Be comforted in knowing that he lived a very full life and left a great legacy behind. Thinking of you in the days and weeks ahead. God Bless
August 14, 2014
To John's entire family I wish to extend condolences for you loss. John and I became friends quite a few years ago at cardiac rehab. I always looked forward to seeing and speaking with John, whether it be in the rehab environment or at the UT football games. John always met me with a smile and a hearty hello. I enjoyed our wide ranging discussions and always looked forward to hearing his side of an issue. John was a man of great heart and his life projected a witness to hope, a testimony to possibility, an urge toward the best and the most honorable impulses that one's heart can conceive.
Dr. George R. Harper
August 13, 2014
Kathy Proctor
John Karnes was a real blessing to the Lakemoor Hills neighborhood. for the past 3 years he has been our official photographer, recording the beauty of our neighborhood during the spring. He captured the team of volunteers when we had our annual Neighborhood Cleanup Day and before we had the neighborhood cleared of debris, John was back with beautiful prints for us. He was a gentle man who now gets to see his Lord face to face. I am honored to have been his neighbor.
August 12, 2014
Shirley Householder
Betty, Will and family, I met Johnny fifty years ago when I went to work for
Dr. William Muse Sr. Dr. Gus Williamson and later for Dr. Muse Jr. He was always so nice and happy. I will always treasure the friendship with him. My prayers go out to each of his family, and I am sure he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Johnny.
August 12, 2014
Betty Gaylor
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He
was such a good friend through the years.
He will be missed.
August 12, 2014
Robert Whedbee
We enjoyed the friendship for years and years as John's neighbor. He was a great man and has always been a special client to us. We always knew John as a giving and caring man, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
The Whedbees
August 12, 2014
Glen Farr
Kathy and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of our neighbor, friend and professional colleague. John was a role model father, grandfather, pharmacist and a friend to many dogs. He will be missed by all who knew him.
August 12, 2014
Jerry/frances /rick Mcmillan
Dear betty &family. Jerry and I and our son rick just want you to know that you and your family will be in our prayers , our company has worked for you and john for many years and we can't say enough about what a awesome man john was to us , always treated us with such respect and always took time to talk with us. We know that this fine wonderful man will be doing something awesome in heaven. Probably taking pictures of the beauty that God has created for all of us. We pray the lords peace upon you betty and all your family during this hard hard time. Love in Christ. Jerry / frances / rick McMillan
August 12, 2014
John,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. I am sure you are proud of the legacy that he has left through his accomplishments and especially through his family. Please extend our condolences to your Mother, brothers, and sister. We are leaving Wednesday morning so we will not be able to attend the funeral. Although we will not be there physically, we will continue to remember you and the family in our prayers. I know that the Faith lessons instilled by your Father will see your family through this trying time. See you at the end of the month.
Mike & Marilyn Moses
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