JAMES ROSS "J. R." QUEEN, age 86 of Athens, Tenn. died Thursday, July 3, 2008, in Life Care of Athens, Tennessee.

He was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, Tennessee and a son of the late Charles and Mary Francis Queen. He was a Brick Mason and a member of Fairview Baptist Church and attended Hilltop Baptist Church.  He was a Veteran of World War II having served in the U. S. Army.

He was preceded in death by his Wife: Thelma Louise Smyre Queen, Brothers: Luke, Carl, Bob, Jack, and Bill Queen, and an infant brother. 

Survivors: Daughters and Sons-in-law: Jane and Eddie Boyd of Athens, Tenn. Debra Butcher of Georgia, and Brenda and Earl Patterson of Grand Prairie, TX.  Two Step Daughters and Husband: Betty O'Connor of Chebanse, Ill. Katherine Shelton of Decatur, Tenn.  Step Son and Wife: Wayne and Sharon Spurling of Denver, Colo.  Twenty-three Grandchildren and twenty-two Great Grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P. M. Sunday in the Chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Russell officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Brett Boyd, Nick Carroll, Christian Butcher, Steve Elkins, Daniel Martin, and Eddie Boyd.

The family will recieve friends in Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. from 6-8 Saturday.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com